CellMine is a cleantech company focused on the recycling and valorization of materials from lithium-ion batteries. Founded in May 2023 in Livingston, Scotland, the company specializes in research and development within natural sciences and engineering, specifically targeting advanced battery recycling technologies. CellMine aims to address the growing global demand for critical battery materials and the increasing volume of spent lithium-ion batteries.
By developing innovative processes for recovering and enhancing cathode materials, CellMine contributes to a more sustainable and circular battery value chain, reducing dependence on primary mining and minimizing environmental impact. The company operates with a small but developing team dedicated to pioneering sustainable recycling solutions.
Battery Technology
CellMine’s core offers a novel, patent-pending chemical process for recycling lithium-ion batteries. This technology stands apart from traditional pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical methods by focusing on rejuvenating, not just recovering, cathode materials. The process begins with “black mass,” which is the material obtained from mechanically processing spent lithium-ion batteries of various chemistries, including Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP).
Using novel green solvents, CellMine’s technology selectively dissolves valuable cathode metals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel at relatively low temperatures (below 120°C). This selective dissolution is less energy-intensive and generates fewer toxic byproducts compared to high-temperature or harsh chemical processes. The process yields two distinct high-purity product streams: a cathode precursor precipitate and a lithium-rich solution. Both achieve a chemical purity exceeding 99.5% battery-grade quality, making them suitable for direct use in manufacturing new batteries.
An important aspect of CellMine’s approach is its ability to enhance the morphology of recycled cathode materials, leading to improved performance in new battery applications compared to virgin materials. The technology’s design allows for scalability, enabling it to be implemented in regional or national operations, contrasting with the need for massive industrial facilities seen in other recycling methods.
Recent Projects
In recent years, CellMine has made progress in advancing its technology and capabilities. After securing initial funding validation through the Ecosurety Exploration Fund, the company received a significant grant from Innovate UK. This £500,000 grant is supporting an 18-month development phase focused on scaling up the technology and assessing its commercial viability. This project involves refining the process for larger operational scales and preparing for potential pilot plant construction.
Alongside scaling efforts, CellMine is actively engaged in testing and validating its recycled cathode materials. Through a collaboration with the University of St. Andrews, CellMine is evaluating how its reclaimed materials perform when integrated into new battery designs. These projects collectively work toward demonstrating the versatility and performance benefits of CellMine’s recycling process, moving the technology closer to commercial deployment and market readiness within the battery recycling industry.
Investors
CellMine has attracted support from investors interested in cleantech and sustainable development. Zinc VC, a venture capital firm with a focus on early-stage companies driving environmental impact, has emerged as a lead investor. Zinc VC’s investment has been instrumental in providing pre-seed funding to support CellMine’s objective of scaling its technology and developing pilot facilities. In addition to venture capital backing, CellMine has also received grant funding from public bodies. Public grants such as the one from Innovate UK contribute to the company’s research and development activities.
Business Details
Location: Livingston, Scotland, UK
Website: https://cellmine.co.uk/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/98438651
