Ascend Elements and Trafigura have entered a multi-year offtake agreement for 15,000 metric tons of low-carbon, recycled battery-grade lithium carbonate, to be delivered between 2027 and 2031. The agreement brings together Ascend Elements’ Hydro-to-Cathode® technology with Trafigura’s global marketing and logistics capabilities, aiming to reinforce resilience and circularity within the battery materials supply chain.
Under the arrangement, Ascend Elements will produce refined lithium carbonate from recycled lithium-ion batteries and manufacturing scrap using its patented Hydro-to-Cathode® process. Trafigura will handle global marketing, logistics and distribution, enabling battery manufacturers and automotive OEMs in North America and Europe to access traceable, responsibly sourced lithium carbonate. By combining recycled raw materials with an efficient supply network, the partnership seeks to reduce carbon intensity, lower costs and mitigate supply-chain risks associated with geopolitical constraints.
“Trafigura’s global platform paired with our Hydro-to-Cathode® process turns circularity into supply security,” said Linh Austin, President and CEO of Ascend Elements. “Together we’ll deliver low-carbon, recycled lithium carbonate that is traceable, responsibly-sourced, and available where customers build across the U.S. and Europe, reducing carbon, cost, and geopolitical risk while accelerating a resilient battery supply chain.”
Ascend Elements is a US-based company focused on sustainable battery materials and lithium-ion recycling. Its Hydro-to-Cathode® method transforms spent batteries and industrial scrap into high-performance precursor cathode active material (pCAM) and lithium salts at commercial scale. This circular approach shortens supply chains and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
Trafigura is a global commodities group with over 30 years of experience in trading and logistics for oil, metals, minerals, gas and power. The company’s extensive market reach and storage infrastructure support the distribution of critical materials worldwide. Trafigura also invests in renewable energy projects and technologies aimed at facilitating a low-carbon economy.
Source: Ascend Elements
