Primobius gets ready to lead operations at the Mercedes-Benz battery recycling hub in Kuppenheim

In March 2023, Mercedes-Benz laid the allegorical foundation stone for its innovative battery recycling plant in Kuppenheim, a strategic move towards sustainable practices. This forward-thinking initiative, backed by an unspecified but significant investment in the double-digit million euro range, aligns with the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection's commitment to environmental research.

The collaborative effort, aptly named 'LiBinfinity,' sees Mercedes partnering with industry stalwarts like Primobius, the SMS Group, and research institutes. Their shared goal is to pioneer a groundbreaking hydrometallurgical process, aiming for an impressive 96% recovery rate of crucial battery materials, including lithium, nickel, and cobalt.

Overview of the lithium-ion battery recycling joint venture 

Primobius, a battery recycling joint venture between the German SMS Group and Australian Neometals, plays a commendable role in this sustainable venture. With a contract valued at approximately 18.8 million euros, Primobius is tasked with developing, installing, and commissioning the 'Hub.' This integral component, part of the Kuppenheim plant, utilises a hydrometallurgical process and boasts an annual capacity of 2,500 tonnes.

The Managing Director of Neometals, Chris Reed, commented: "We are proud to partner with Mercedes in its journey to lead the closed-loop recycling of lithium batteries."

"The relationship exemplifies some of the unique aspects of Primobius' business model. One of these is the ability to supply plant and offer technology licences so OEMs can retain their battery materials from scrap and end-of-life batteries," Reed concluded.

The significance of this collaboration lies in the concerted effort to recover not just conventional battery materials but also harness the potential of repurposed materials from lithium-ion recycling. This is where aluminium shines, given its 100% recyclability. As mechanical shredding and pre-sorting separate materials like copper and aluminium from old batteries or production scrap, the 'Spokes' of wheels emerge as a crucial element in this process.

The 'Hub,' employing the hydrometallurgical process, comes into play, emphasising the advanced recycling of the remaining black mass. The complete extraction of aluminium during recycling underscores the commitment to sustainability and circular economy principles.

What is the ultimate goal of the collaboration? 

This collaboration between Mercedes and Primobius not only marks a significant milestone for the battery recycling sector but also holds profound implications for the aluminium industry. The envisioned 50,000 battery modules for electric cars from Mercedes-Benz underscore the practical application of recycled materials.

This not only aligns with environmental goals but also provides a blueprint for the broader industry, showcasing the potential for circular economy practices. The strategic use of repurposed materials, especially aluminium's 100% recyclability, showcases the potential for sustainable practices in battery recycling.

If you wish to learn more about sustainable practices in the entire aluminium value chain, please have a look at AL Circle's special report focusing on a similar agenda, Sustainability in the Global Aluminium Industry.