The joint venture leverages Orano's low carbon technology, which breaks the mold of existing processes to recover all materials from lithium-ion batteries and produce new cathode materials. The joint venture will produce materials also known as "black mass" or "active mass". These can be refined in Orano's hydrometallurgical plant to be built in Dunkirk, France, so that the materials can be reused in batteries, closing the loop of a circular economy.
"Thanks to its innovative pre-treatment approach and cutting-edge hydrometallurgy technology, the recovery rates of metals can reach exceptional levels of more than 90%."Stellantis writes in its press release. "It enables OEMs to reach European Commission levels of recycling rate into batteries of electric vehicles and ensure the sustainability of the business model. In a context of increased demand for strategic metals and Europe's strong dependence on those metals, Orano positions itself as a key player in the integrated value chain, from battery recycling to the production of cathode materials."
The new commercial recycling entity will also provide Stellantis’ partners, its after-sales network, and other OEMs with a solution to manage end-of-life batteries and scrap from gigafactories. Production will begin in the first part of 2026, reusing existing Stellantis assets and facilities.
The joint venture is subject to agreement on definitive documentation.
Source: Stellantis