NMM is expected to commence operating its demonstrative scale plant, to develop technology to extract value-bearing metals such as cobalt, nickel, lithium and manganese (metals) from used lithium-ion batteries and recycled cathode materials used in the lithium-ion batteries (used batteries). NMM plans to launch into commercial scale operation after completion of the pilot development of the technology to extract lithium and manganese from the used batteries in 2011.
Lithium-ion batteries have been used for electronic gadgets including mobile phones and personal computers. Furthermore, increase in demand for the lithium-ion batteries used as power sources for the vehicles such as hybrid or electric cars is expected, as these cars are expected to be used in the future low-carbon society.
NMM has been engaged in building a technology to extract the metals from the used batteries applying its own skills and expertise developed and nurtured in the operation of smelting and refining of non-ferrous metals and recycling and environmental service activities. This developmental operation is expected to be carried out in collaboration with Waseda University and Nagoya University, at a pilot plant to be constructed in the premises of NMM’s subsidiary company – Nikko Tsuruga Recycle Company.
Additionally, NMM plans to augment its production capacity of cathode materials used for automotive lithium-ion batteries at its Isohara Works located in Kitaibaraki City, Ibaraki Prefecture. NMM would supply the metals extracted from used batteries to the Works and other manufacturers.
