Revolutionary battery recycling that is helping recover critical metals

Electric vehicle being charged

A looming shortage of rare earth minerals threatens the battery supply chain critical to electric vehicles, energy storage, and electronics. China currently controls about 85% of this supply and has limited exports during trade tensions with the U.S., making alternative solutions urgent. In response, startups like Ascend Elements and American Battery Technology Company (ABTC) are advancing battery recycling technology to recover 90–98% of critical metals from used batteries. Ascend’s patented “hydro-to-cathode” process efficiently regenerates cathode materials, while ABTC reclaims manufacturing waste from EV production. These methods reduce reliance on mining and imports, offering environmental and national security benefits. Though not all ventures succeed, successful companies are scaling up operations and forming long-term partnerships with automakers. As battery demand continues to rise, recycling is becoming a cornerstone of a sustainable and resilient energy future, turning waste into a valuable domestic resource and helping close the loop. Learn more about this start-up.

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