Lifthium Energy and Mecaware sign a strategic partnership

Mecaware, a producer of recycled strategic metals from battery waste, announces the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (M.o.U) with Lifth-One (Lifthium Group), a Portuguese leading project in lithium refining. This partnership is fully aligned with the EU’s material valorization strategy and the development of the battery recycling sector at the European level.

As a supplier of recycled lithium, Mecaware provides Lifth-One with high-quality strategic metals, which will be incorporated into its advanced refining processes. Together, the two companies aim to create a virtuous circle, strengthening Europe’s autonomy in battery materials while supporting the energy transition.

This M.o.U. will be executed throughout all stages of industrialization, including the laboratory and pre-industrial pilot phases, as well as the construction of the factories. This collaboration will assess the technical and economic feasibility of reincorporating recycled lithium into battery-grade lithium production in Europe at each development phase.

Moreover, this partnership addresses two challenges: securing supplies by using recycled lithium and demonstrating the competitiveness of recycling in Europe. Lift-One is Lifthium Energy’s first lithium processing project for plant that has been, officially designated by the European Commission as a Strategic Project. This recognition highlights its pivotal role in achieving the ambitious targets of the Critical Raw Materials Act 2030.

Benoît Samanos, COO of Mecaware says “With Lifth-One based in Europe, the material stays on the continent, which is essential for reinforcing the autonomy and security of the European battery supply chain. This partnership addresses a critical strategic need for the industry, especially as we work to strengthen the battery recycling sector, a major challenge for the energy transition and long-term sustainability”.

Bernardo Gross, COO of Lifthium Energy concludes, “This agreement is a major milestone in the development of a robust and sustainable European value chain in the battery recycling sector. Lifthium Energy groundbreaking and sustainable technology combined with the utilization of recycled materials contributes to the production of battery-grade lithium with a much lower carbon and environmental footprint. By integrating our technologies, we create synergies that enhance both companies’ capabilities and contribute to a more innovative and sustainable battery recycling industry in Europe”.

About Mecaware

Founded in January 2021, Mecaware is an industrial startup that is revolutionizing the production of strategic metals from end-of-life batteries and battery manufacturer waste. We recover essential metals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel in compliance with battery industry standards and EU regulation.

Our innovative closed-loop technology uses no harmful inputs, produces no effluents (such as sulfates), and requires minimal external energy. This process achieves both economic and ecological efficiency, embodying our concept of eco2-efficiency.

We support industrial sovereignty and energy transition by providing a tangible solution for the circular economy. Our agile model is based on deploying compact factories near waste deposits, minimizing initial investments while optimizing the supply chain.

The commissioning of our first factory is planned for late 2029, providing a local solution to the relocation of strategic metal supplies and supporting the development of a low-carbon battery industry.

Learn more: https://mecaware.com/

About Lifthium Energy

Lifthium Energy was established in 2023 and was founded with the goal of achieving a leading position in the international green lithium refining sector, leveraging José de Mello Group long-term entrepreneurship vision and its company, Bondalti, extensive experience in the chemical industry.

Lifthium Energy’s mission is to supply high-quality, sustainable lithium hydroxide to promote the energy transition and help make electric mobility accessible to everyone. Lifthium plans to launch a first plant by 2027 in the Iberian Peninsula with a refining capacity of around 28,000 tons, intending to supply lithium hydroxide for more than one million vehicles per year. Lifthium is owned by José de Mello (85%) and Bondalti (15%).

Lift-One is Lifthium Energy’s lithium processing project for a first plant that has been officially selected by the European Commission as a Strategic Project, which recognizes its pivotal role in achieving the Critical Raw Materials Act 2030 ambitious targets.