Recycling & Waste Management
Polish-American JV to Build Battery Recycling Plant in Eastern Germany
Poland’s Elemental Strategic Metals (ESM) and US company Ascend Elements have acquired a site for the project in the regional state of Saxony-Anhalt.
Jun 20, 2024
The two companies have formed a joint venture named AE Elemental. It will construct a state-of-the-art lithium-ion recycling facility capable of processing up to 58,000 batteries annually. Construction is planned to start in 2025.
The new company will also operate a similar facility in Zawiercie, Poland.
“Our investment in Germany is an important step in strengthening our position as a major player in the battery materials industry, said ESM board member Maciej Dudzic in a statement. “Our choice of location was a carefully considered decision following lengthy, detailed discussions with local authorities. We ultimately decided on Eastern-Central Germany because it has good logistics and supportive local administrations.”
“Expanding into Europe will allow us to better service our customers locally and help the industry comply with new EU rules requiring recycled material in new batteries,” added Mike O’Kronley, CEO of Ascend Elements. “This is a perfect time to expand our operations.”
