BatX Energies, a lithium-ion battery recycling company, has inaugurated its Critical Minerals Extraction Plant (HUB-1) in Uttar Pradesh.

The facility focuses on extracting essential materials such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese from used lithium-ion batteries.

It aims to meet the increasing demand for these critical minerals, which are crucial for India's growing electric vehicle (EV) sector. Furthermore, the facility seeks to reduce reliance on imports, supporting India's Net Zero 2070 target and the AtmaNirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative.

The HUB-1 facility follows the establishment of BatX Energies' Black Mass production plant in Sikandrabad, Uttar Pradesh, launched in late 2022. The new facility builds on a 21-month industrial pilot programme initiated in mid-2023 and uses BatX's proprietary chemical process to extract high-purity critical materials for battery manufacturing.

The hydrometallurgical plant, designed and developed internally, is capable of recycling all types of lithium-ion battery waste, including manufacturing rejects from future giga factories. The global rise in EV adoption has emphasised challenges related to sourcing critical materials outside China, including high costs and complex processes.

BatX Energies addresses these issues with a vertically integrated model, combining material extraction expertise with the development of second-life energy storage applications. This approach provides solutions for managing batteries throughout their lifecycle.

The facility operates with zero-emission, zero-waste processes and low energy consumption, adhering to stringent environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards.

It also aligns with India's Battery Waste Management Rules 2022 by improving the availability and affordability of critical materials for EV batteries.

During the inauguration, Utkarsh Singh, Co-founder and CEO of BatX Energies, stated:

"This facility demonstrates our commitment to sustainable extractive metallurgy by recycling used batteries and reintegrating critical materials into the supply chain."

Vikrant Singh, CTO and Co-founder of BatX Energies, further added:

"The plant is the result of four years of research and development and significant efforts from our team. We appreciate the support from our investors, stakeholders, and various government initiatives, including Start-up India, MSME, the PSA Office for EU-TTC, and EXIM Bank of India."

BatX Energies continues to prioritise innovation and sustainability by incorporating data analytics and predictive modelling to optimise energy material performance.

Through waste reduction, circularity, and cost-effective solutions for EV manufacturers, the company aims to contribute to a more sustainable and resource-efficient future.