- LICO Materials Ather Energy partnership strengthens battery recycling ecosystem.
- Recovered minerals support domestic electric vehicle battery manufacturing.
LICO Materials and Ather Energy have formed a partnership to establish a structured system for collecting, recycling and recovering valuable materials from end-of-life lithium-ion batteries used in electric two-wheelers. As part of the collaboration, batteries from Ather Energy's fleet will be processed at LICO Materials' recycling facility in India, specifically in Karnataka, where recovered materials will be supplied back into the battery value chain for use by cell manufacturers and automotive OEMs.
Building a Circular Battery Material Supply Chain
The collaboration is focused on creating a circular supply chain for essential battery materials such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, graphite and copper. With electric vehicle adoption continuing to expand across India, the companies aim to ensure that these recovered resources are reused in manufacturing new battery cells and electric vehicles. This approach is intended to improve material availability while supporting sustainable resource utilization across the battery ecosystem.
Key Objectives of the Partnership
- Collect end-of-life lithium-ion batteries from electric two-wheelers.
- Recycle batteries through LICO Materials' Karnataka facility.
- Recover valuable critical minerals for reuse.
- Supply recovered materials to battery cell manufacturers and automotive OEMs.
- Support development of a circular battery economy.
Critical Material Recovery and Supply Security
India currently relies heavily on imported battery minerals, making the industry vulnerable to supply disruptions, price volatility and geopolitical uncertainties. LICO Materials stated that its recycling facility can recover up to 95% of materials from end-of-life lithium-ion batteries, enabling these resources to be reintroduced into the battery ecosystem. Recovering valuable materials domestically can strengthen supply resilience while reducing dependence on imported raw materials.
Alignment with Battery Waste Management Regulations
The partnership supports the Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022, which require extended producer responsibility throughout the battery value chain. According to industry projections referenced by the companies, battery recycling could supply more than 40% of India's lithium, nickel and cobalt requirements by 2050. In addition to improving material security, increased recycling activity is expected to contribute to employment generation and lower carbon emissions.
Material Recovery and Industry Benefits
Battery Recycling Partnership Highlights
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Partners | LICO Materials and Ather Energy |
| Battery Type | End-of-life lithium-ion batteries |
| Recovery Capability | Up to 95% material recovery |
| Recovered Materials | Lithium, nickel, cobalt, graphite and copper |
| Application | Battery cells and electric vehicle manufacturing |
Industry Perspective
"Our partnership means end-of-life batteries can be recycled and the recovered minerals can be fed back into the battery supply chain, helping reduce dependence on imported critical materials," said Gaurav Dolwani, CEO, LICO Materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the objective of the partnership between LICO Materials and Ather Energy?
The partnership aims to establish a circular system for collecting, recycling and recovering valuable materials from end-of-life lithium-ion batteries used in electric two-wheelers. Batteries from Ather Energy will be processed at LICO Materials' recycling facility, where critical minerals such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, graphite and copper will be recovered and supplied back into the battery manufacturing ecosystem. The initiative also supports domestic material availability, regulatory compliance and sustainable electric vehicle growth in India.
Why is lithium-ion battery recycling important for India?
Lithium-ion battery recycling helps recover valuable critical minerals that can be reused in manufacturing new battery cells and electric vehicles. Since India depends significantly on imported battery materials, recycling can improve supply chain resilience, reduce exposure to price fluctuations and geopolitical risks, lower carbon emissions and support compliance with Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022. Industry projections also indicate recycled materials could meet a substantial share of future lithium, nickel and cobalt demand by 2050.
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