BBC Future, the BBC’s award-winning science website, takes a look at Altilium’s pioneering work to turn old EV batteries into a domestic supply of critical minerals, in this in-depth Green Tech article published today. 

Visiting Altilium’s ACT1 facility in Devon, science journalist Michael Marshall got to see first-hand how our scientists are creating a cleaner, greener future for the UK, delivering “Critical Minerals, Made in Britain.”

As the article notes, Altilium is one of just a handful of firms around the world that has cracked the challenge of recovering these minerals, including lithium, nickel, cobalt and graphite, bringing the UK closer to a circular economy for EV batteries and supporting the transition to net-zero. 

Researchers have estimated that over half of the lithium and nickel needed for new batteries could be supplied from recycling by 2040. Not only will this reduce the need for new mines to be built, but it also means countries like the UK will become less dependent on international supply chains. 

By building hydrometallurgical processing capability in the UK, Altilium is ensuring that these valuable resources remain in the domestic supply chain, giving the UK energy security and industrial resilience.

“We see batteries which are in this country as a strategic asset in the UK,” Altilium COO Christian Marston, told the BBC. “If you do the processing in the UK, you add the value in the UK.” 

Read the full article here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/future/article/20250404-where-ev-batteries-go-to-die-and-be-reborn