Electra Battery Materials Corp. signed a memorandum of understanding with Rock Tech Lithium to supply recycled lithium from Electra’s Ontario battery recycling operations, according to a Nov. 28 press release.

Under the agreement, Electra will also supply a portion of the lithium recovered from its black mass refinery, north of Toronto, to Rock Tech. The recycled lithium will be used to upgrade Rock Tech’s battery grade lithium chemicals in their lithium refineries, the release stated.

The companies plan to develop a sustainable closed-loop service offering for the recycling of lithium-ion (Li-on) battery manufacturing scrap, end of life batteries and black mass.

According to the release, processing of material is expected to start beginning 2026 with supply expected to increase overtime.

“Our collaboration unlocks an important lithium sourcing option and ensures continuous long-term supply for our plants,” said Klaus Schmitz, Rock Tech’s CEO. “Our collaboration ensures that lithium recovered from the recycling of end-of-life batteries or battery manufacturing scrap is recovered, refined and returned to the battery value chain as battery-grade lithium product. An efficient, environmentally friendly and truly closed recycling loop.”

In May 2023, Electra announced its intention to form a joint venture with the Three Fires Group to source and process Li-on battery waste generated by manufacturers of battery cells, electric vehicles and energy storage systems, the release added.

 The battery waste would be processed at a facility located in southern Ontario to produce black mass feed material for Electra’s refinery to recover lithium, nickel, cobalt, copper, manganese and graphite.

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