CellMine – Small Scale Sampling Lab 

CellMine is developing a new way to recycle lithium-ion batteries that avoids producing problematic wastes, while creating high-value materials for use in new batteries. The project will deliver a Small-Scale Sampling Lab (SSSL) at CellMine’s facility in Livingston, Scotland, allowing the company to demonstrate its innovative recycling process at an industrially relevant scale. 

Today, most battery recycling methods rely on sulphate-based processes that generate large volumes of sodium sulphate waste. This waste is difficult and costly to dispose of, creating environmental challenges and causing Environmental Permits for   new recycling plants to be denied. CellMine’s process removes sulphates entirely, eliminating this waste stream and significantly reducing both cost and environmental impact. 

Working with leading UK partners, including the Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) – with support from Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) through the new AMBIC facility – and Minviro, the project will validate material performance and independently measure environmental benefits such as carbon and waste reduction. By delivering real-world, customer-ready samples, the project bridges the gap between laboratory research and commercial deployment.