Wildcat Discovery Technologies, a US cathode producer, and Austin Elements, a US critical minerals recycler and sustainable LFP precursors producer, have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on recycling solutions for LFP and LMFP batteries.
Under the agreement, the two companies will work together to convert end-of-life batteries and manufacturing scraps into cathode materials. Austin Elements will produce battery-grade lithium carbonate and iron phosphate from black mass, including “dirty” black mass, which contains high amounts of aluminum and copper. These materials have been successfully validated by Wildcat Discovery Technologies and will be supplied to Wildcat for use in its proprietary cathode materials.
Wildcat has been developing battery materials since 2006, and it plans to build a US plant to manufacture LFP in late 2026, LMFP in 2027, and disordered rock salt (DRX) in 2028. (See the feature article in the latest issue of Charged.) The partnership with Austin Elements will ensure a reliable supply of the high-quality precursors needed for Wildcat’s cathode materials production.
Austin Elements specializes in producing high-spec critical minerals and LFP/LMFP battery precursors using recycled feedstocks. The company’s low-carbon processes recover valuable minerals from various sources, including LFP and NCM lithium-ion batteries and manufacturing scrap. Austin has secured feedstocks from the US, Europe, and North and South America. The company plans to build a 10,000-megaton LFP black mass refinery facility in Houston, Texas in early 2026.
“Customers in North America seek accessible, long-term alternatives to China-based [cathode active materials] production, and our partnership with Austin Elements helps achieve that objective in a sustainable and efficient way,” said Wildcat President and CEO Mark Gresser.
“Our novel patented recycling processes enable the economics of LFP recycling, and the battery-grade lithium-carbonate sustainable precursors are a perfect match for Wildcat’s advanced battery research and manufacturing capabilities,” said Austin Elements CEO Dr. Jacob Jin. “Together, we will make significant strides in the circular economy for LFP series battery materials.”
Source: Wildcat Discovery Technologies
