Lithium recycling - Nickelhütte Aue GmbH

We recycle lithium-ion batteries - efficiently, sustainably, and using closed-loop technology.

Lithium-ion batteries in any condition - from materials safe for transport to damaged and burnt out batteries - can not only be recycled, but also turned into new raw materials. In our all-inclusive package, we provide for consultation, packaging, transport, and recycling, without long transport routes or extra middlemen.

How does the lithium-ion accumulator recycling process work?

Our process combines thermal deactivation, mechanical treatment, and hydrometallurgy. This unique combination makes it possible to produce high-value chemicals that can be directly returned to the production cycle.

What are the benefits of closed-loop recycling?

Closed-loop recycling makes it possible to use the recovered chemicals directly to manufacture new batteries. This not only contributes to resource conservation, but also ensures that we fulfill current and future EU requirements for using recycled materials, such as the Critical Raw Materials Act. Valuable material remains in the European circular economy, supply chains become more resilient, and a new product can be made from "waste".

Which lithium batteries can be recycled?

We recycle a wide range of batteries, from individual energy storage modules to vehicle batteries to container solutions for stationary energy storage. Our process is able to recycle all battery types, including battery cells, modules, accumulators, and complete underbodies. We also recycle batteries in all conditions –safe for transport, critical or burnt out – and from dead to fully charged.

Our recycling process at Nickelhütte Aue

We offer the entire recycling process for your lithium-ion accumulators – from the first request to issuance of the recycling certificate. The process starts with a consultation and an initial meeting in which we ask for information about your material to create an individualized offer for recycling and transport. Next we initiate the waste management process, organize the pickup of the batteries, and recycle them professionally. After recycling, we issue a recycling certificate for you, documenting the volume, technology, and the date of recycling. This certificate not only provides legal compliance, but also builds trust.

Hydrometallurgy as a unique selling point

Many recyclers stop at mechanical treatment and only provide black mass - which is often sent abroad for further refinement. We take the next step: We rely on our hydrometallurgical process, which has existed for centuries and is constantly being further developed and optimized by our research department. In multiple leaching, cleaning and crystallization processes, we extract chemically pure nickel, cobalt, copper, and lithium salts. These are, in turn, needed to produce new lithium-ion batteries. This cutting edge technology ensures that we not only recover raw materials, but also produce valuable chemicals that can be immediately fed back into the production cycle.

The battery types we recycle at Nickelhütte Aue

We recycle a wide range of lithium-ion batteries and industrial batteries for commercial customers. Our capabiliities include batteries with different applications and cell chemistries:

Lithium-ion batteries: They comprise batteries for EVs (electric vehicles), BEVs (Battery Electric Vehicles), PHEVs (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles), and other applications in the field of e-mobility.
Battery types classified according to cell chemistry: We process nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC), nickel-cobalt-aluminum (NCA), nickel metal hydride (NiMH), lithium titanate ( LTO), lithium-iron phosphate (LFP), nickel-cadmium (NiCd), and other types that are currently still under development.
Intended use of the batteries to be recycled: Our recycling solutions cover a wide range of applications, including:
- Electric car batteries for private and commercial use (commercial vehicles, buses, railways and passenger cars)
- Power storage for private and industrial applications

Experience

We rely on tradition, continuous improvement, and long-term business relationships dating back to 1635.

Closed-loop recycling

Highly efficient recycling anticipates the fulfilment of future EU guidelines.

One-stop solution

Everything is on one place: No long transport routes, just efficient and local recycling.

Increased safety for critical battery condtions

Safety boxes for critical batteries are only unpacked immediately before recycling. Our employees are specially trained and qualified to confidently handle critical battery conditions.

Our focus is on our customers' trust in us and processes that protect the climate. We rely on sustainable recycling processes, which not only recover high-value raw materials, but also actively contribute to reducing CO2 emissions. Our customers can count on us to always fulfill their requirements in terms of quality, safety, and sustainability.

Patrick Renner (team leader)

We have annual recycling capacities for 8,000 to 10,000 tons of batteries and offer an efficient solution for large quantities.

No, we only work with commercial customers, offering customized recycling solutions for companies.

Yes, we offer an all-inclusive service, and provide you with comprehensive consultation on waste management and transport law issues so that the whole process will be legally compliant.

No, our recycling process is environmentally friendly and sustainable. We rely on climate-friendly procedures and closed-loop recycling, in which valuable raw materials are recovered and remain in the European circular economy. Our technology minimizes CO₂ emissions and reduces fuel consumption, which contributes to a significant reduction in the environmental impact. We observe strict environmental protection requirements in all the steps in the recycling process.

We work with transportation companies that specialize in safe shipment of batteries and dangerous waste – a perfect combination of recycling and transport services.

Chemicals Carrer range Closed loop