12/December/2023
Altilium, a UK-based clean technology group focused on supporting the transition to net zero, and Universidad Católica del Norte (UCN), a leading educational institution in Chile, proudly announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster a strategic partnership focusing on the advancement of Electric Vehicle (EV) battery recycling technologies. The MoU reflects the shared commitment of both entities to leverage their expertise and resources in pursuit of sustainable environmental practices and the development of innovative solutions for battery recycling. This collaboration aims to propel the evolution of green processing technologies and logistical planning for efficient battery collection and transportation.
Key areas of collaboration outlined in the MoU include:
1. Research Activities in Logistical Planning for Battery Collection and Transportation: Altilium and UCN will collaborate on the development of efficient and sustainable strategies for collecting and transporting EV batteries, ensuring environmentally friendly practices throughout the process.
2. Research Activities in Green Processing Technologies: The partnership will focus on advancing technologies that promote eco-friendly methods for recycling EV batteries, minimizing environmental impact and maximizing resource recovery.
3. Research Activities in the Lithium Battery Value Chain: Both parties will jointly engage in research initiatives aimed at enhancing the entire value chain of lithium batteries, from production to recycling, fostering innovation and sustainability. 4. Participation in Seminars and Academic Meetings: Altilium and UCN will actively engage in knowledge-sharing activities, including seminars, workshops, and academic gatherings, to exchange insights and collaborate on cutting-edge research in the field of EV battery recycling.
Professor Dr. Hernán Cáceres, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Geological Sciences at UCN, and also Director of Lithium R+D+i, expressed his enthusiasm, stating: “This partnership represents a significant step forward in addressing the environmental challenges posed by EV battery disposal. Our collaboration with Altilium will enable us to combine our academic expertise with practical industry knowledge to drive sustainable solutions in battery recycling.”
Dr. Christian Marston, Co-founder and COO of Altilium, commented: “We are excited about this collaboration with Universidad Católica del Norte. By pooling our strengths and knowledge, we aim to make substantial advancements in the field of EV battery recycling, contributing to a more sustainable future.”
The collaboration follows the recent multi-million dollar investment into Altilium from SQM Lithium Ventures, the corporate venture arm of the lithium business of Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile (SQM), one of the world’s leading producers of battery-grade lithium. The investment strengthens Altilium’s position in the lithium industry and will accelerate the sale-up of its proprietary battery recycling technology.
SQM is also working with UCN on a collaborative project to design, producer and recycle lithium batteries in Antofagasta. The project, entitled “Creation of a research and development hub in the lithium battery value chain,” will be implemented from 2022 to 2030, creating economic, social and environmental value for Northern Chile and the country as a whole.
This strategic partnership between Altilium and UCN marks a crucial milestone in the pursuit of sustainable practices in EV battery recycling in the UK and Chile. Both entities are committed to working hand in hand, leveraging their expertise to address environmental challenges and pave the way for a cleaner, greener future.
About Altilium
Altilium is a UK-based clean tech group that will reshape the UK and European automotive supply chain by offering high volume, low carbon domestic sources of cathode and anode materials from recycling waste streams already in circulation, such as end-of-life batteries and mine tailings.
In 2022, the company opened its Battery Recycling Technology Centre in Devon, to deepen and strengthen its competitive edge in the recycling of lithium-ion batteries. The scale-up processing line will provide the company with data to make informed decisions on materials handling, scalability, and product quality at the UK’s largest planned EV battery recycling facility, to be located in Teesside. The plant will have the capacity to process scrap from over 150,000 EVs per year, producing 30,000 MT of CAM, 20% of the expected demand in the UK and one of the largest projects in the UK and Europe.
To date, Altilium has secured over £6M in backing from UK government innovation awards, including grants from the Faraday Institutions Battery Challenge and the Automotive Transformation Fund. The company recently completed its Series A funding round with a multi-million pound investment from SQM Lithium Ventures, the corporate venture arm of the lithium business of Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile (SQM), one of the world’s leading producers of battery-grade lithium.
About UCN
Universidad Católica del Norte (UCN) is an institution of higher education located in the region of Antofagasta, Chile. Recognized for its academic excellence, UCN excels in research and innovation in diverse areas of knowledge, such as mining, astronomy, biotechnology, engineering and marine sciences. The university has established important collaborations both nationally and internationally, contributing significantly to the scientific and technological development of the region and the country. Its focus on research and innovation positions it as an academic reference and contributes to the advancement of science and technology in Chile and beyond