Pure Battery Technologies refines MHP and recycled black mass into low‑carbon precursor cathode active materials (pCAM) for EV batteries using hydrometallurgical processes that reduce CO2 emissions and support circular supply chains.
Pure Battery Technologies (PBT) is an Australian‑headquartered cleantech company founded (founding year not specified) and based in Brisbane, Queensland. With commercial operations in Hagen, Germany, PBT develops and commercialises low‑carbon refining processes to produce precursor cathode active materials (pCAM) for lithium‑ion batteries. The company’s leadership includes executives and scientists who commercialised technology originating at the University of Queensland. PBT’s mission is to reduce the environmental footprint of battery materials by converting mixed hydroxide precipitate (MHP) and recycled black mass into high‑quality nickel‑based pCAM for electric vehicles and other energy storage applications. PBT focuses on scalability, regulatory compliance, and circular material flows.
PBT’s core technology comprises proprietary hydrometallurgical processes—Selective Acid Leaching (SAL) and Combined Leach (CL)—that convert MHP and recycled black mass into precursor cathode active material without conventional metal separation. By avoiding high‑temperature smelting and toxic solvent stages, the processes reduce energy use and can lower CO2 emissions by up to 85% versus standard refining. The methods allow tailoring of NMC chemistries, shorter processing cycles, and integration with recycled feedstocks. Technology originated at the University of Queensland and has been scaled at a commercial facility in Hagen, Germany. PBT also collaborates with recycling partners and specialist licensors to broaden feedstock compatibility and product formats.
Pure Battery Technologies produces nickel‑based precursor cathode active materials (pCAM), including NMC formulations, supplied to cathode and battery manufacturers. Products are made from virgin MHP and recycled black mass and are specified for electric vehicle batteries and other energy storage applications. Key benefits include lower embedded CO2, customizable chemistries, and compatibility with circular feedstocks. PBT does not manufacture battery cells but supplies midstream material for downstream cell and pack assembly.
In 2025 PBT signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Cylib to convert Cylib’s black mass concentrate into pCAM using PBT’s low‑emission refining processes. The MOU targets strengthened circular supply chains in Europe by pairing recycling feedstock supply with midstream refining capacity and supports commercial trials and offtake discussions. The agreement is described as collaborative supply‑chain integration and a step toward scaling pCAM production for European EV manufacturers.
Investors include EIT InnoEnergy and a €36.7 million loan from the European Investment Bank provided in 2022 under the InvestEU programme. PBT has received multi‑million euro funding and strategic support from cleantech investors and is pursuing additional capital, with expansion funding targets cited in the EUR 600–900 million range. The company reports revenue growth projections and ongoing investor engagement to finance European and Australian scale‑up projects.
