PyroGenesis talks battery recycler testing results

Executive Summary

• PyroGenesis Inc. confirmed the successful completion of a primary testing campaign with a leading battery recycler, validating the use of its high-temperature plasma technology for recovering key minerals (nickel, cobalt, copper, lithium) from lithium-ion batteries.
• The testing, witnessed by client engineers, confirmed anticipated outcomes for using plasma to replace fossil fuel heating in battery recycling processes.
• The client intends to potentially purchase an initial one-megawatt plasma torch system, followed by additional systems (five one-megawatt or one five-megawatt), with further testing and go/no-go decisions expected by the end of Q2 2026.

Key Details

• Testing Success: Primary testing phase completed successfully; material samples shipped to client facility for performance, yield, and chemistry measurements.
• Technology Application: Plasma technology used to superheat materials to recover cathode or anode materials from batteries, replacing fossil fuel heating.
• Target Minerals: Nickel, cobalt, copper, and various oxides such as lithium.
• Future Commercial Potential: Client indicated a potential need for multiple five-megawatt plasma torch systems.
• Timeline: Additional testing and scale-up decisions to be completed by the end of Q2 2026.
• Market Context: End-of-life lithium-ion battery volume expected to grow from 900,000 tons in 2025 to 20.5 million tons by 2040 (25% annual growth rate).
• Strategic Impact: Supports client goals for all-electric operations, reducing reliance on new mining, lowering emissions, and improving supply chain security for critical minerals.

Notable Quotes

• "As global electrification accelerates and the first major wave of large lithium-ion batteries approaches retirement, the test results we announced today confirm that plasma may be a valuable component in the manufacturing life cycle as the focus shifts from battery production to complete battery life cycle management," said P. Peter Pascali, president and chief executive officer of PyroGenesis.