LICO Materials Unveils Zero-Liquid-Discharge Battery Recycling Facility in Bengaluru

With India’s electric vehicle (EV) industry set to grow by an impressive 250% and the energy storage sector expected to reach 42 GW by 2032, the recycling of used batteries is emerging as a crucial component in securing critical minerals. Leading the charge, LICO Materials has inaugurated a state-of-the-art zero-liquid-discharge battery recycling facility in Bengaluru, marking a significant step forward in advancing the battery circular economy.

LICO’s new facility boasts an annual in-feed capacity of 4 GWh, addressing key challenges such as securing a stable supply of essential materials and reducing dependence on imports. This initiative aligns with India’s ambitious target of achieving 30% EV adoption by 2030. The company plans to scale up the facility’s capacity to 10 GWh over the next 3-4 years, cementing its role as a pioneer in lithium-ion battery recycling and refurbishment.

LICO has announced an investment of Rs 250 crore in the next two to three years to establish a downstream hydrometallurgy plant. This advanced facility will recover critical metal salts from the black mass currently produced during the recycling process, ensuring battery-grade purity. The recovered materials will be supplied to gigafactories and energy storage systems, closing the loop in the battery materials supply chain and contributing to India’s clean energy transition.

The zero-liquid-discharge facility is designed to recycle and repurpose 17,500 metric tonnes of batteries annually. By 2027, LICO aims to expand its operations to recycle the equivalent of 200,000 metric tonnes of electric car batteries each year. This ambitious target will play a pivotal role in supporting India’s rapidly expanding EV and energy storage sectors.

“The new facility marks a significant milestone in our journey to redefine lithium-ion battery recycling and repurposing in India. As we scale up operations, we aim to bridge the gap in the supply chain for critical battery materials, reduce import dependence, and contribute to India’s clean energy transition,” said Gaurav Dolwani, CEO of LICO Materials.

LICO’s hydrometallurgy plant will focus on recovering high-purity metal salts, including lithium, cobalt, and nickel, to meet the growing demand for battery-grade materials. This innovative approach not only reduces waste but also ensures a sustainable and cost-effective supply chain for battery manufacturers and energy storage systems.

LICO Materials’ new facility is a testament to its commitment to sustainability and innovation, paving the way for India’s green energy future while strengthening the country’s position in the global EV ecosystem.