US-based battery recycler ACE Green Recycling is strengthening its presence in the American market, particularly with its upcoming Texas recycling site. The company plans to operate lead-acid and lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery recycling facilities side by side at the location, optimizing its technology stacks in a single space.
Vice-president of investments and strategy, Aaron Wee, highlighted the appeal of the US lead market, citing low-cost scrap batteries and high premiums on refined lead. He emphasized ACE Green's early anticipation of LFP batteries becoming the preferred choice over nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) alternatives. While lead recycling operations will commence first due to immediate profitability, LFP processing is expected to take longer as feedstock availability increases.
Regarding battery recycling gate fees in Europe, ACE Green noted that fees range from €500-800 per ton depending on the battery type. However, the company does not see gate fees as a sustainable revenue model, believing that as more recyclers enter the market, lower-cost solutions will emerge. The company also pointed to the correlation between lithium prices and gate fees, predicting lithium carbonate prices could fall to $11,000 per ton by the end of the year.
On the pricing dynamics of black mass, Wee discussed regulatory challenges in exporting black mass to China and how easing restrictions could drive global price adjustments. Market conditions and potential trade barriers will influence pricing shifts in the coming months.
