The company wants to evaluate the logistics chain from “cradle to grave” and come up with a plan to maximise the recovery of all materials used in the batteries when they reach the end of their useful life.

Lithium-ion batteries have numerous components: anodes, cathodes, casing, electronics and electrolytes.

Much of the recycling to date has been to recover the cathode materials, cobalt in particular.

However, while recycling at the moment recovers most of the base metals, lithium retrieval is close to zero.

According to Lithium Australia that is due to the processing technology being used by the companies undertaking the recycling.

It believes it can find a way to achieve recycling rates for lithium that are on par with other cathode metals.

The company is seeking partners to capitalise on the expanding opportunities for Li-ion battery recovery in Australia and North America.

“We see a lot of waste in the mining industry as a consequence of imposing high cut-off grades to lithium deposits,” Lithium Australia managing director Adrian Griffin said.

“This is not sustainable and Lithium Australia is developing the technologies to rectify the situation.

“We see the recycling of batteries in a similar light.

“Legislative changes, on a global basis, are likely to force industry into more responsible recycling programs and Lithium Australia is positioning itself to become part of the solution.”