$2M in Support for Lithion Recycling to Strengthen Quebec’s Expertise in Battery Recycling

Anjou, QC, October 15, 2021. — The Quebec Government is providing $2 million in additional financial support to Lithion Recycling to carry out feasibility, preliminary and detailed engineering studies for the construction of a first-generation commercial lithium-ion battery recycling plant.

Lithion Recycling has developed and patented an innovative hydrometallurgical process to recycle all types of lithium-ion batteries and recovers 95% of high purity compounds such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese and graphite. The process reuses recycled compounds in the manufacture of new lithium-ion batteries, which is fully in line with the principles of the circular economy.

Pierre Fitzgibbon, Minister of the Economy and Innovation and Minister Responsible for Regional Economic Development, made the announcement today with Benoit Charette, the Minister of the Environment and the Fight Against Climate Change, Minister Responsible for the Fight Against Racism and Minister Responsible for the Laval Region, and Jonatan Julien, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Minister Responsible for the Côte-Nord Region and Minister Responsible for the Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine Region.

Citations:

“We would like to thank the Government of Quebec for their support in this important acceleration phase of our development towards the commercialization of our lithium-ion recycling solution. This financial support reitirates the importance of recycling in the battery industry in Quebec and allows the development here locally of a coveted expertise all over the globe.”

Benoit Couture, President and CEO, Lithion Recycling

“The recycling of lithium-ion batteries represents an important link in the Quebec strategy for the development of the battery industry. We are proud to be able to support Lithion Recycling in the various stages of the implementation of its innovative technology. It is thanks to cutting-edge projects like this one that Quebec will further distinguish itself as a leader in the electrification of transportation.”

Pierre Fitzgibbon, Minister of the Economy and Innovation and Minister Responsible for Regional Economic Development

“Quebec has everything it needs to produce the cleanest battery in the world, thanks to its hydroelectricity and innovative projects like Lithion Recycling. We are counting on the creation of new businesses and strategic sectors to build the economy of tomorrow while reducing our greenhouse gas emissions.”

Benoit Charette, Minister of the Environment and the Fight Against Climate Change, Minister Responsible for the Fight Against Racism and Minister Responsible for the Laval Region

“We want to make Quebec a leader in production, processing and recycling of critical and strategical minerals, in partnership with the community. This circular economy project corresponds to this vision and will contribute to the energy transition. I am pleased that our government is supporting it.”

Jonatan Julien, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Minister Responsible for the Côte-Nord Region and Minister Responsible for the Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine Region.

Key Facts

• In 2020, Lithion Recycling commissioned a demonstration plant in Anjou with a recycling capacity of 200 tons of batteries per year.
• This demonstration plant received $4,482,000 in financial assistance from the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources.
• With the construction of a commercial plant, Lithion Recycling expects to have an annual processing capacity of 7,500 metric tonnes, or the equivalent of 20,000 electric vehicles.