Aqua Metals specializes in patented AquaRefining technology, a proprietary process that uses electricity-powered electroplating to recover high-purity metals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese from spent lithium-ion batteries at room temperature. This low-emission, water-based process achieves over 99% recovery rates for critical battery materials, producing battery-grade metals with exceptional purity for reuse in new battery production, eliminating the need for high-energy smelting and hazardous chemicals. The modular Aqualyzer units enable scalability and adaptability across industries.
The company’s primary product includes the modular Aqualyzer units which implement the AquaRefining technology for scalable battery metal recycling. Aqua Metals produces battery-grade lithium carbonate, nickel, and cobalt with purities exceeding 96.5% and 99% respectively. Upcoming product capability includes output from the Sierra AquaRefining Campus with an initial recycling capacity of 3,000 tonnes of black mass annually, expandable to 10,000 tonnes.
Key recent projects include the development and commercialization of the Sierra ARC Lithium Battery Recycling Campus in Nevada, focused on closed-loop battery material recycling with significant expected economic impact and job creation. Aqua Metals demonstrated successful continuous Li AquaRefining operations producing over 600 lbs of battery-grade materials. It formed a strategic partnership with 6K Energy to supply up to 30% recycled content to 6K’s PlusCAM cathode manufacturing facility and joint development of low-carbon cathode active materials. Additional partnerships and DOE program involvement enhance technology licensing and commercial scalability.
Aqua Metals Inc. has raised approximately $19.9M in various funding rounds through 2023–2024, including a $7.3M round in August 2024 and a $1.5M bridge loan mainly funded by management and board members, demonstrating strong insider confidence. Institutional investors include The Vanguard Group, BlackRock, Renaissance Technologies, and strategic partner Yulho Materials. The company continues to pursue further strategic and project financing for expansion and technology scale-up.
