Sustainable process methodology for battery metals recovery from primary and secondary resources: The METALLICO project

The EU Green Deal’s 2030 and 2050 climate-neutrality and digitalization targets necessitate a substantial increase in the consumption of critical raw materials (CRM), including Li and Co, which are essential for electric vehicle batteries and energy storage systems. Recent geopolitical events have underscored the vulnerability of the EU’s CRM supply chains, highlighting the need for sustainable and resilient domestic sourcing strategies.
Horizon Europe project METALLICO aims to enhance the EU’s autonomy in battery metals by upscaling innovative solutions for the recovery of Li, Co, Cu, Mn, and Ni from both primary and secondary sources. Five advanced processes will be demonstrated and validated on a pilot scale with different primary and secondary resources.
The project consortium involves 21 partners from 9 countries, including mining and industrial sites, research organizations, SMEs, and government bodies. This diverse group ensures the comprehensive development and validation of the METALLICO processes across the entire value chain. By combining cutting-edge digitalization with innovative recovery processes, the METALLICO project will unlock new potential resources, boost the competitiveness of the European raw materials sector, enhance industrial resilience, and contribute to the green transition.