India recently released a critical minerals list, a strategic approach by the government to address challenges and promote self-sufficiency in critical mineral resources.  India’s decision to facilitate auctions and allow private players to mine lithium, other critical minerals is surely step towards self-reliance in clean energy. But the sustainability of lithium mining remains an open question.

This initiative not only addresses the rising threat of e-waste but also positions India as a global leader in sustainable practices, showcasing the nation’s commitment to a cleaner, greener future. By transforming e-waste into a resource opportunity, we are paving the way for a more resilient and environmentally conscious society.

The current capacity at Attero Recycling stands at around 11,000 metric tonnes, which is by far the largest. We are in the process of scaling it up to 15,000 metric tonnes by February 2024. In the next four years, we should have a total capacity of 300,000 metric tonnes per annum. Out of this, 100,000 would be for the Indian market and 100,000 each for US and Europe market. This will enable us to meet at least 10% of the world’s cobalt demand by recycling and at least 10% of the world’s lithium demand by recycling.

• Attero Recycling uses its proprietary and globally patented avant-garde recycling technologies for Li-ion battery recycling.
• It is a global leader in extracting Lithium Carbonate with the highest efficiency at the lowest cost.
• Attero’s opex and capex for extracting Lithium Carbonate are significantly lower than the cheapest mine in the world. In addition, the ESG footprint of Attero’s Lithium Carbonate output is substantially lower than the world’s most environmentally friendly mine.
• The company has been successfully recycling all kinds of end-of-life Li-ion batteries (LFP, NMC, LCO, LTO LMO etc.), factory waste, and black mass and extracting pure battery-grade lithium carbonate, cobalt, graphite, nickel, and manganese among others. 
• Attero currently has 35 granted global patents (10 for e-waste recycling and 25 for li-ion recycling).
• Attero’s Green Future initiative: Partnerships with leading EV players and govt bodies to take this initiative forward.

Read the full story that first appeared in Fair Planet here: