Lithion Technologies has completed the construction of its first commercial lithium-ion battery critical mineral extraction plant near Montreal.

The plant extracts lithium from used electric-vehicle batteries for future use in new batteries. Known as Lithion Saint-Bruno, the facility is located in St-Bruno-de-Montarville, Que.

“It’s a major milestone towards the realization of our dream of sustainably closing the loop of battery materials,” said Benoit Couture, Anjou, Que.-based Lithion’s president and CEO, in a news release.

“And, this is just the beginning. We will build more recycling plants, supplied by a network of battery collection and storage facilities, across Canada, the United States, and Europe to ensure the energy transition is a sustainable solution for the generations to come.”

Lithion said it is now in the commissioning phase to ensure that the company’s patented processes and technologies operate safely and effectively. The company has signed multi-year battery feedstock agreements with suppliers, received several used batteries and begun the first battery-treatment steps, such as dismantling.

Lithion said it will soon open a lithium storage facility at an unspecified U.S. location.

Photo: Courtesy of Lithion Technologies