American Battery Technology Co. (ABTC) has reached a significant milestone in its battery recycling process by transitioning from the commissioning phase to continuous ’24/7′ operations at its McCarran, Nevada facility. This development has resulted in doubling the company’s quarterly production of recycled battery materials.
Facility Operations and Progress
The McCarran facility, which opened in 2023 with support from a U.S. Department of Energy grant, is now processing regular shipments of large-scale batteries from automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). ABTC is selling commercial quantities of intermediate black mass material along with other recycled commodities. The company is currently in the first phase of operations, which involves processing lithium-ion batteries into materials such as copper, aluminum, steel, lithium intermediate, and black mass.
Industry Context and Challenges
ABTC’s progress comes at a time when the large-scale lithium-ion battery recycling industry is facing uncertainty due to factors such as recent tariff news and lack of clarity around federal grant and loan funding for recycling projects. Despite these challenges, the company has received significant support from the Department of Energy, including a $144 million grant announced in September to build a second facility planned for South Carolina. During an earnings call on February 14, CEO Ryan Melsert confirmed that ABTC had received the grant contract and was moving forward with plans for the new facility.
Future Plans and Diversification
The company is also pursuing a parallel lithium mining business unit at Tonopah Flats in Nevada, using its proprietary technology to access lithium resources. This move aims to meet the growing demand for lithium as the U.S. seeks to shore up domestic production for electric vehicles and other battery products. Melsert emphasized the importance of both recycling existing materials and establishing primary lithium production to meet future demand.
Financial Transactions
In a separate development, ABTC announced the sale of a 12-acre unused legacy property in Fernley, Nevada, for approximately $6.75 million. The transaction, expected to close by July 10, is intended to support future business phases, including the production of high-purity battery metals and the advancement of its mining operations.
The recent production milestones at ABTC’s recycling facility represent a positive step toward the company’s planned second phase of operations, which will focus on producing battery-grade nickel sulfate, cobalt sulfate, manganese sulfate, and lithium hydroxide. Through targeted operational improvements, the company has enhanced production quality and output, paving the way for the next phase of its recycling technologies.
