The ScrapCO2met project supports the development of an innovative closed-loop recycling solution for Li-ion NMC battery production scrap.
FUNDERS
Project financed by the France 2030 program as part of the RRR Call for Projects (Innovative solutions for improving the recyclability, recycling and reincorporation of materials) steered by ADEME.
This industrial recycling line will be based on two key technologies:
1. A mechanical pre-treatment process for recovering valuable fractions (copper, aluminium, blackmass) of very high purity.
2. An innovative hydrometallurgy process to obtain metal salts from blackmass that can be reincorporated into the battery value chain.
Toachieve this, the project includes the development and qualification of a pre-industrial pilot line for each technology:
1. A pilot pretreatment line operated by MTB at Trept (38)
2. A pilot hydrometallurgy line operated by Mecaware in Béthune (62)
The two partner laboratories, LCH (formerly ICBMS) and LEPMI, are contributing their scientific expertise respectively to the optimization of the hydrometallurgy chemical process, and to the performance qualification of battery cells made from recycled metal salts.
Angélique JALLAIS
Project Manager
Project launch.
MTB Recycling's first pre-industrial mechanical pre-treatment unit for scrap batteries is commissioned.
Definition of a chemical process to start engineering studies for the pre-industrial metal extraction unit.
Commissioning of the first pre-industrial hydrometallurgy unit in Béthune.
Commissioning of the integrated industrial unit at Dunkirk
Commissioning of the integrated industrial unit at Dunkirk
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A laboratory attached to the University of Lyon 1, the ICBMS/LCH is at the origin of Mecaware's technology, with the work of Professor Julien Leclaire, co-founder of Mecaware. It is continuing its fundamental work to develop ever more virtuous chemistry.
Role in the project: ICBMS/LCH is in charge of developing the "innovative hydrometallurgy" brick, dedicated to recycling Verkor's battery production scrap.
LEPMI is a research laboratory in electrochemistry and physical chemistry of materials, contributing to innovation in the field of energy storage. It is attached to the Grenoble Polytechnic Institute.
Role in project: In charge of studying the valorisation of recycled metal salts through the production of CAM (active material for batteries) and batteries.
Mecaware is an industrial start-up specialising in the production of recycled strategic metals from Gigafactory scrap and end-of-life batteries.
Role within the project: Co-development with ICBMS/LCH of the production of recycled metal salts, and industrialization of Verkor's NMC battery waste metal extraction process.
MTB Recycling is a company specialising in the recycling and recovery of metal waste, in particular cables, waste electrical and electronic equipment and batteries. It develops innovative solutions for the treatment and separation of metals with a focus on the circular economy.
Project role : production of blackmass and mechanical pre-treatment of Verkor's battery production scrap.
Verkor is an NMC battery gigafactory located in Bourbourg, near Dunkirk. Verkor's ambition is to become a key player in tomorrow's mobility by increasing production of low-carbon batteries to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles.
Role in the project : Verkor is in charge of validating a process for collecting and qualifying scraps (waste from battery production) and supplying scraps to the recycling line.