Aqua Metals Achieves Major Milestone in Recycled Battery Materials: First U.S.-Sourced Nickel Integrated into Domestic CAM for Testing by a Tier-One Battery Manufacturer
Aqua Metals (NASDAQ: AQMS) has achieved a significant milestone by producing the first cathode active material (CAM) made from 100% domestically sourced, recycled nickel in the United States. The company used its proprietary AquaRefining™ technology to recover high-purity nickel from spent lithium-ion batteries and manufacturing scrap, which was then refined into battery-grade nickel nitrate.
The recycled nickel CAM, produced in partnership with a domestic CAM manufacturer, is currently under evaluation by a tier-one lithium battery manufacturer. Initial testing has shown the material meets industry-standard specifications. The process reduces the carbon footprint of CAM manufacturing by 87% compared to Chinese sourcing.
This achievement supports the development of a domestic battery supply chain, particularly significant as U.S. lithium battery production capacity is projected to reach 1.2TWh annually by 2030. The initiative aligns with Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) compliance requirements and aims to reduce dependence on foreign material sources.
Aqua Metals (NASDAQ: AQMS) ha raggiunto un traguardo significativo producendo il primo materiale attivo per catodi (CAM) realizzato con nickel riciclato al 100% proveniente da fonti domestiche negli Stati Uniti. L'azienda ha utilizzato la sua tecnologia proprietaria AquaRefining™ per recuperare nickel ad alta purezza da batterie agli ioni di litio esauste e scarti di produzione, che è stato poi raffinato in nitrato di nickel di grado batteria.
Il CAM di nickel riciclato, prodotto in collaborazione con un produttore domestico di CAM, è attualmente in fase di valutazione da parte di un produttore di batterie agli ioni di litio di primo livello. I test iniziali hanno dimostrato che il materiale soddisfa le specifiche standard del settore. Il processo riduce l'impronta di carbonio nella produzione di CAM del 87% rispetto all'approvvigionamento cinese.
Questo risultato supporta lo sviluppo di una catena di approvvigionamento di batterie domestiche, particolarmente significativo poiché si prevede che la capacità di produzione di batterie agli ioni di litio negli Stati Uniti raggiunga 1,2TWh all'anno entro il 2030. L'iniziativa è in linea con i requisiti di conformità dell'Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) e mira a ridurre la dipendenza da fonti di materiale estere.
Aqua Metals (NASDAQ: AQMS) ha logrado un hito significativo al producir el primer material activo para cátodos (CAM) hecho de níquel reciclado al 100% de fuentes nacionales en los Estados Unidos. La empresa utilizó su tecnología patentada AquaRefining™ para recuperar níquel de alta pureza de baterías de iones de litio usadas y chatarra de fabricación, que luego se refinó en nitrato de níquel de grado para baterías.
El CAM de níquel reciclado, producido en asociación con un fabricante nacional de CAM, está actualmente en evaluación por un fabricante de baterías de iones de litio de primer nivel. Las pruebas iniciales han demostrado que el material cumple con las especificaciones estándar de la industria. El proceso reduce la huella de carbono de la fabricación de CAM en un 87% en comparación con el aprovisionamiento chino.
Este logro apoya el desarrollo de una cadena de suministro de baterías nacional, especialmente significativo ya que se proyecta que la capacidad de producción de baterías de iones de litio en EE. UU. alcance 1.2TWh anuales para 2030. La iniciativa está alineada con los requisitos de cumplimiento de la Ley de Reducción de la Inflación (IRA) y busca reducir la dependencia de fuentes de materiales extranjeras.
Aqua Metals (NASDAQ: AQMS)는 미국에서 100% 국내 조달된 재활용 니켈로 만든 첫 번째 음극 활성 소재(CAM)를 생산하여 중요한 이정표를 달성했습니다. 이 회사는 독자적인 AquaRefining™ 기술을 사용하여 사용된 리튬 이온 배터리와 제조 스크랩에서 고순도 니켈을 회수하였으며, 이를 배터리 등급의 니켈 질산염으로 정제했습니다.
국내 CAM 제조업체와 협력하여 생산된 재활용 니켈 CAM은 현재 1급 리튬 배터리 제조업체에 의해 평가 중입니다. 초기 테스트 결과, 이 소재는 업계 표준 사양을 충족하는 것으로 나타났습니다. 이 과정은 중국 조달에 비해 CAM 제조의 탄소 발자국을 87% 줄입니다.
이 성과는 특히 미국의 리튬 배터리 생산 능력이 2030년까지 연간 1.2TWh에 이를 것으로 예상됨에 따라 국내 배터리 공급망 개발을 지원합니다. 이 이니셔티브는 인플레이션 감축법(IRA) 준수 요건과 일치하며, 외국 자재 공급원에 대한 의존도를 줄이는 것을 목표로 합니다.
Aqua Metals (NASDAQ: AQMS) a atteint une étape significative en produisant le premier matériau actif pour cathodes (CAM) fabriqué à partir de nickel recyclé à 100 % provenant de sources domestiques aux États-Unis. L'entreprise a utilisé sa technologie propriétaire AquaRefining™ pour récupérer du nickel de haute pureté à partir de batteries lithium-ion usagées et de déchets de fabrication, qui a ensuite été raffiné en nitrate de nickel de qualité batterie.
Le CAM en nickel recyclé, produit en partenariat avec un fabricant de CAM national, est actuellement en cours d'évaluation par un fabricant de batteries lithium de premier plan. Les tests initiaux ont montré que le matériau répond aux spécifications standard de l'industrie. Le processus réduit l'empreinte carbone de la fabrication de CAM de 87 % par rapport à l'approvisionnement chinois.
Cette réalisation soutient le développement d'une chaîne d'approvisionnement de batteries domestiques, ce qui est particulièrement significatif alors que la capacité de production de batteries lithium aux États-Unis devrait atteindre 1,2 TWh par an d'ici 2030. L'initiative est conforme aux exigences de conformité de la loi sur la réduction de l'inflation (IRA) et vise à réduire la dépendance aux sources de matériaux étrangères.
Aqua Metals (NASDAQ: AQMS) hat einen bedeutenden Meilenstein erreicht, indem es das erste Kathodenaktivmaterial (CAM) produziert hat, das zu 100 % aus in den USA recyceltem Nickel aus heimischen Quellen stammt. Das Unternehmen hat seine proprietäre AquaRefining™-Technologie verwendet, um hochreines Nickel aus gebrauchten Lithium-Ionen-Batterien und Produktionsabfällen zurückzugewinnen, das dann zu batterietauglichem Nickelnitrat verfeinert wurde.
Das recycelte Nickel-CAM, das in Zusammenarbeit mit einem inländischen CAM-Hersteller produziert wurde, wird derzeit von einem Hersteller von Lithiumbatterien der Spitzenklasse bewertet. Erste Tests haben gezeigt, dass das Material die branchenspezifischen Standardspezifikationen erfüllt. Der Prozess reduziert den CO2-Fußabdruck der CAM-Herstellung um 87 % im Vergleich zur Beschaffung aus China.
Dieser Erfolg unterstützt die Entwicklung einer heimischen Batterieversorgungskette, was besonders wichtig ist, da die Produktionskapazität von Lithiumbatterien in den USA voraussichtlich bis 2030 jährlich 1,2 TWh erreichen wird. Die Initiative steht im Einklang mit den Anforderungen zur Einhaltung des Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) und zielt darauf ab, die Abhängigkeit von ausländischen Materialquellen zu verringern.
- First successful production of 100% U.S.-sourced recycled nickel CAM
- 87% reduction in carbon footprint vs. Chinese sourcing
- Initial testing meets industry-standard specifications
- Qualifies for IRA federal incentives
- Eliminates waste and emissions compared to conventional refining
- Additional qualification testing still required
- Currently at testing phase, not yet commercially scaled
Insights
Aqua Metals' achievement represents a significant technological milestone in the battery recycling industry. The company has successfully demonstrated a complete circular supply chain for nickel - recovering the metal from spent batteries, refining it into battery-grade nickel nitrate, and integrating it into new cathode active material (CAM) that meets industry specifications.
The technical validation by a tier-one battery manufacturer is particularly noteworthy. Battery manufacturers maintain rigorous standards for material inputs, and passing initial qualification tests indicates that Aqua Metals' recycled materials are comparable to virgin materials in quality and performance. This overcomes one of the most challenging hurdles in battery recycling - producing materials that meet stringent electrochemical requirements.
The claimed 87% reduction in carbon footprint versus Chinese-sourced materials also positions this technology favorably in the evolving regulatory landscape where emissions throughout the supply chain face increasing scrutiny. The elimination of sodium sulfate waste through their partner's manufacturing process further enhances the environmental proposition.
However, investors should recognize this represents early-stage validation rather than immediate commercial revenue. The qualification process for battery materials typically involves multiple testing stages over months or years before full adoption. The company must still demonstrate scalability and cost-competitiveness against conventional materials to achieve meaningful market penetration.
This milestone demonstrates Aqua Metals' advancement toward commercializing sustainable battery recycling technology within a domestic supply chain framework. Creating an entirely US-based process from recycled battery waste to finished CAM directly addresses a critical vulnerability in America's energy transition strategy.
With projected domestic battery production reaching 1.2TWh by 2030, securing reliable materials supply has become a strategic priority. Currently, battery manufacturers face significant supply chain risks with critical minerals like nickel predominantly sourced internationally. Aqua Metals' technology potentially mitigates these risks while aligning with Inflation Reduction Act incentives that favor domestically-produced materials.
The collaboration with established CAM manufacturers and battery producers creates a viable pathway to market adoption. Rather than building the entire value chain independently, Aqua Metals has strategically positioned itself at a critical node in the battery materials ecosystem, potentially accelerating commercialization.
From a manufacturing perspective, eliminating energy-intensive smelting and reducing chemical waste represents meaningful operational advantages beyond environmental benefits. The AquaRefining process appears more adaptable to distributed production models, potentially enabling smaller-scale recycling operations closer to battery production facilities - reducing logistics costs and further enhancing sustainability metrics.
RENO, Nev., March 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aqua Metals, Inc. (NASDAQ: AQMS), a pioneer in sustainable lithium-ion battery recycling, has worked with leading industry partners to successfully produce the first-ever cathode active material (CAM) made from
Using its proprietary AquaRefining™ process, Aqua Metals recovered high-purity nickel from spent lithium-ion batteries and battery manufacturing scrap. Aqua Metals refined that recycled nickel into battery-grade nickel nitrate, a key precursor in advanced cathode production. One of Aqua Metals’ domestic CAM manufacturing partners then utilized an innovative, low-carbon process to convert the nickel nitrate material into battery-grade CAM. This CAM is currently undergoing evaluation by a tier-one lithium battery manufacturer under established qualification protocols, and initial testing was positive and the samples are progressing through the validation process.
Validating Recycled Minerals in Battery Manufacturing
Initial testing has shown that the recycled nickel CAM meets industry-standard chemical and electrochemical specifications set by the battery manufacturer, ensuring compatibility with existing cell production processes. Additional qualification testing will be ongoing to validate long-term performance metrics.
Aqua Metals’ and its U.S.-based partner’s closed-loop production process reduces the carbon footprint of CAM manufacturing by an estimated
“This milestone confirms that Aqua Metals' technology enables the reclamation and reuse of critical minerals entirely within the United States, supporting both energy security and the clean energy economy,” said Steve Cotton, President & CEO of Aqua Metals. “We have demonstrated that a circular supply chain for battery materials is commercially viable today, and we are committed to scaling this solution to meet the growing demand for sustainable, high-performance battery components.”
Onshoring Critical Battery Materials for U.S. Competitiveness
The U.S. lithium battery industry is projected to surpass 1.2TWh of annual cell production capacity by 2030, yet much of the necessary raw materials—especially nickel, cobalt, and manganese—are still imported. Establishing a domestic, circular supply chain for these materials is essential to reducing dependence on foreign sources, mitigating supply chain disruptions, and supporting the sustainability goals of automakers and battery manufacturers.
This effort also aligns with the growing demand for Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)-compliant battery materials, ensuring domestically produced CAM qualifies for federal incentives and strengthens America’s role in the global energy transition.
Advancing Sustainable CAM Production with Lower Carbon and Waste
Aqua Metals’ AquaRefining™ process eliminates the waste and emissions associated with conventional metal refining methods such as smelting and chemical-intensive hydrometallurgy. The CAM manufacturer involved in this milestone uses a low-carbon, waste-reducing process that eliminates sodium sulfate production, a major environmental burden of traditional CAM manufacturing. Aqua Metals and this manufacturer have established a collaborative framework to continue advancing sustainable CAM production.
By demonstrating a pathway to high-performance CAM with lower costs, reduced waste, and a dramatically smaller environmental footprint, this collaboration provides a scalable model for the future of battery material production.
A Step Toward a Sustainable and Secure Battery Future
The successful production and testing of recycled nickel-based CAM lays the groundwork for further expansion of U.S.-based battery recycling and material production. Aqua Metals remains committed to working with manufacturers to develop a secure, sustainable supply of domestically sourced battery materials, reinforcing its leadership in clean energy innovation.
About Aqua Metals
Aqua Metals, Inc. (NASDAQ: AQMS) is reinventing metals recycling with its patented AquaRefining™ technology. The Company is pioneering a sustainable recycling solution for materials strategic to energy storage and electric vehicle manufacturing supply chains. AquaRefining™ is a low-emissions, closed-loop recycling technology that replaces polluting furnaces and hazardous chemicals with electricity-powered electroplating to recover valuable metals and materials from spent batteries with higher purity, lower emissions, and minimal waste. Aqua Metals is based in Reno, NV and operates the first sustainable lithium battery recycling facility at the Company’s Innovation Center in the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center. To learn more, please visit www.aquametals.com.
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Safe Harbor
This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning Aqua Metals, Inc. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, our plans, objectives, expectations, and intentions and other statements that contain words such as "expects," "contemplates," "anticipates," "plans," "intends," "believes", "estimates", "potential" and variations of such words or similar expressions that convey the uncertainty of future events or outcomes, or that do not relate to historical matters. The forward-looking statements in this press release include our expectations for our continued participation in the production of CAM made from
Contact Information
Investor Relations
Bob Meyers & Rob Fink
FNK IR
646-878-9204
aqms@fnkir.com
Media
David Regan
Aqua Metals
415-336-3553
david.regan@aquametals.com
FAQ
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