Aqua Metals, a provider of sustainable battery metals recycling and refining, announced a non-binding Letter of Intent (LOI) with Westwin Elements, America’s only major nickel refinery, outlining plans for Aqua Metals to supply up to 1,000 metric tons of recycled nickel carbonate annually to Westwin Elements.
The high-purity material is a key precursor for nickel-based lithium-ion battery cathodes used in electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems.
At current nickel prices, the contemplated agreement could represent approximately $12 million in annual value under a multi-year arrangement, underscoring rising demand for clean, domestic nickel materials.
The LOI follows successful qualification of Aqua Metals’ nickel carbonate product through Westwin’s testing and approval process. Using its AquaRefining technology at the company’s Nevada pilot facility, Aqua Metals produced battery-grade nickel carbonate from lithium-ion battery black mass that met Westwin’s technical performance and economic criteria.
Under the LOI, the two companies intend to negotiate definitive terms for the supply of between 500 and 1,000 metric tons of high-purity nickel carbonate annually. While non-binding, the LOI outlines a shared commitment to establishing what could become one of the first sources of domestically produced nickel carbonate to support U.S. industrial and battery manufacturing needs.
The targeted commencement of product delivery is calendar year 2027, contingent upon both parties securing the necessary financing and completing the build-out of their respective commercial facilities.
“This collaboration reflects a shared interest in advancing America’s critical minerals independence,” said KaLeigh Long, founder and CEO of Westwin Elements. “Working with Aqua Metals has shown the potential for recycled materials to support domestic nickel production using advanced refining technologies. It’s an encouraging step toward a more sustainable and secure US supply chain.”
Aqua Metals and Westwin plan to finalize a definitive supply agreement aligned with construction of their respective commercial facilities.
Filed Under: Batteries, Technology News