LICO Materials has developed a pathway to recover graphite from end-of-life lithium-ion batteries and cell manufacturing scrap for use by Epsilon Advanced Materials in anode production.
Graphite Recovery Opens a New Circular Battery Loop
LICO Materials has achieved a breakthrough in graphite recovery, creating a pathway to recover graphite from end-of-life lithium-ion batteries and battery manufacturing scrap and supply it to Epsilon Advanced Materials (EAM) as a secondary feedstock for graphite anode materials.
The initiative combines LICO’s critical mineral recovery capabilities with EAM’s battery-material expertise, enabling graphite to move from old batteries into the production of new battery materials.
Reducing Dependence on Concentrated Graphite Supply
Graphite accounts for around 20–30% of a lithium-ion battery’s weight and is a critical material for anodes. However, its global supply chain is heavily concentrated:
- China accounts for more than 90% of global graphite refining.
- Around 80% of graphite mining is concentrated in China.
- China produces more than 90% of anode active materials.
- India’s growing battery manufacturing sector is driving demand for graphite.
According to the Ministry of Heavy Industries, India could require 200,000–230,000 tonnes of graphite anode material annually by 2030 to support projected battery demand.
Recovered Graphite to Support Battery Manufacturing
LICO will recover graphite through its proprietary critical-mineral recovery processes before supplying the material to EAM. The recovered graphite will undergo processing and qualification for use within EAM’s anode-material platform.
Samples are expected to be available for customer validation by the end of 2026.
Building India’s Circular Battery Ecosystem
The collaboration could help retain valuable graphite within the battery ecosystem, reduce reliance on virgin and imported resources, and strengthen supply-chain resilience.
By linking battery recycling with anode-material production, LICO and EAM are creating a closed-loop pathway for critical battery materials in India.
