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1
Raw Materials Mining
Primary raw materials are extracted globally, either from open-pit or underground mines.
Once extracted, the raw materials are crushed into smaller pieces and then milled into a fine powder.
2
Processing
The raw materials are refined and purified through chemical processing, where controlled chemical reactions transform the materials into high-purity compounds suitable for battery production.
3
(Precursor) Cathode Active Materials
Refined materials are processed into precursor cathode active material (PCAM) through controlled chemical reactions. Lithium is then added, followed by high-temperature treatments, to produce cathode active material (CAM) with optimized electrochemical properties.
4
Cell Production & Assembly
CAM is integrated into electrode manufacturing, where it is coated onto metal foils to form battery electrodes. These electrodes are then assembled with anodes, separators, and electrolytes in a controlled environment to create battery cells.
5
End Products
Finished battery cells are integrated into applications like electric vehicles, consumer electronics, and energy storage systems, powering end users' everyday needs.
6
Recycling
Used batteries are collected and processed to extract valuable materials. This involves shredding them into 'black mass,' a powder containing lithium, nickel, and cobalt (subject to battery chemistry) which is then refined for reuse in new batteries.
Li
Spodumene Concentrate, Lithium Sulfate, Lithium Carbonate, Lithium Hydroxide
Ni
Nickel Metal, Nickel Sulfate and
Mixed Hydroxide Product
Co
Cobalt Metal, Cobalt Sulfate and
Cobalt Hydroxide
Cu
Copper Cathode
Mn
Manganese Sulfate
Black
Mass
NCM, NCA, LFP and other chemistry-recycled battery materials
(p)CAM
MHP