NAATBatt Lithium Battery Recycling Workshop: Cory's Insights from Day 1

Today, as industry leaders, researchers, and innovators gathered at the NAATBatt Lithium Battery Recycling Workshop, I found myself immersed in the future of battery technology, recycling, and the economic implications of black mass. Here are my key thoughts and observations from Day 1.

Understanding Black Mass

In the context of battery recycling, black mass is the type of electronic waste from crushed and shredded EoL (End of Life) battery cells. This waste mixture includes valuable metals: lithium, cobalt, nickel, sometimes others. Compositions vary by battery manufacturer. It might be waste, or it might be recyclable and highly valuable.

Why Should You Care?

The economic opportunity in recycling is a key aspect. As demand for minerals grows 10-fold, the potential for financial opportunities across the market is immense. We can't meet this demand with existing resources, making recycling not only a sustainable choice but a viable business frontier. The scarcity of these minerals only heightens the need for recycling, underlining the potential profits and market growth in this sector. Recycling batteries taps into this economic potential and aligns with both environmental responsibility and market-savvy innovation.

US National Security reasons also play a vital role. Dependence on foreign sources for essential minerals creates vulnerabilities in supply chains. By investing in recycling, the U.S. can reduce reliance on potentially unstable or hostile regions. This not only strengthens the domestic economy but also fortifies national security by ensuring consistent access to crucial materials. The intertwining of economic opportunity with security interests makes recycling not just a business consideration, but a national imperative.

My Thoughts on Issues Handling Black Mass

I was particularly struck by the panel's discussion on the $B (Billion+ dollar) impact of handling black mass. Their insights into safety, risk management, and ethical considerations resonated with my core values around community and sustainability.

Measuring the Economic Value of Black Mass

Wan-Yi Kim 's forecast on EV battery supply from recycling by 2060 caught my attention. Daniel Fletcher-Manuel 's insights into lithium's growth and regional pricing differences, and Christopher Davis ' perspective, furthered my understanding of this complex subject.

The Evolving Concept of the Battery Passport

This section, focusing on creating a digital twin for each battery, sparked my curiosity. Stephanie Schenk , Zachary Trautt , and Laura Wagner 's talks added depth to my thoughts on battery life cycle circularity and concerns about Battery Passports. Dirk Spiers provided a spirited counter-argument to Battery Passports (and shared his fears of over-regulation in general). I found myself siding with Stephanie's arguments, probably related to my favorable experience of tradability and transparency in software, as well as aviation engineer, design, and manufacturing.

Solutions for Recycling LFP

The 10x expected growth of the recycling industry in the next 5 years resonated with my interest in emerging tech. Discussions around profitable recycling of LFP batteries and China’s technological advancement added value to my perspective. I heard it multiple times that China is 10+ years ahead on batteries, battery tech/chemistry, and recycling. I hope that was hyperbole.

Update on the DOE Battery Recycling Prize

The DOE Battery Recycling Prize presentation by Lauren Lynch and Jake Herb showed the ways the US is investing to lower the cost of EVs and accelerate our country's global challenge to catching up to the lead in this space.

Critical Insights, Day 1

• Black Mass: is a combination (amalgamation) of materials. It can be a commodity or it could be "black gold." With wide price variability, perhaps pricing will move to "classes." Standardization will be key.
• Safety: Battery recycling is dangerous! ("Is Lithium the new Lead?")
• Mining: EV mining is very different than other precious metals mining. Economic impact is HUGE and cannot be overstated.
• Competition? Cory's observation -- isn't everyone in this group inherently competitive? In a commodity market, there is no differentiation in a standardized output. Market forces pressure lower costs. With a growing market, and a lot of new entrants (like me!), everyone finding best way to add value.
• Recycling Methods: New methods and technologies are emerging.
• Economic Impact: Industry and subindustries are growing from $B to $T.

Connections and Networking

My connections with industry veterans and experts like Gina DiSandro Sich , Tyler Helps , Yayoi Sekine , and others added depth to the dialogues. Thank you for taking time to talk to me and help me orient within my new space.

Conclusion

Day 1 of the NAATBatt Lithium Battery Recycling Workshop was a fusion of challenges and solutions that touched my core interests in electrification, sustainability, and community. I look forward to Day 2, with its more intimate and topic-specific breakout groups. I'm most excited for section "Meet the Recyclers: What are Their Value Propositions?"