Iondrive Ltd (ASX:ION) has achieved recovery rates of 100%, 98.6%, 98.4%, and 89.1% for nickel, cobalt, manganese, and lithium from raw black mass, according to a new study of its lithium-ion battery recycling process.

A previous study – reported in July – proved the scalability of the company’s recycling process using pure precursor Cathode Active Material (pCAM), excluding lithium.

In this new study, the black mass (or grounded spent batteries, with a mixture of different Li-ion battery types) was subjected to a three-stage pre-treatment process to remove impurities, and yielding the recoveries in question – an improvement from previous findings.

The study is an important milestone for the company, which is on-track to complete a prefeasibility study on its battery recycling technology by the end of October.

Once that’s complete, Iondrive will look at the development of a pilot plant for the technology, as well as opportunities for industry collaboration and non-dilutive funding in Europe and Australia.

Iondrive CEO Ebbe Dommisse said the results were a major breakthrough.

“Achieving such high recovery rates from mixed Black Mass is a significant step forward,” he said.

“Compared to our previous trials, which used pristine material, these new results demonstrate the robustness of our process, even with lower-quality, mixed material.

“Looking ahead, we expect to work with more consistent, higher-grade material through partnerships, which will further improve the efficiency and reliability of our recycling technology.”

Iondrive has been trading at 1.2 cents.

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