Ascend Elements processes spent lithium-ion batteries and manufacturing scrap into cathode precursor materials and battery-grade lithium carbonate through its patented Hydro-to-Cathode® technology. Founded in 2015, the company operates commercial-scale manufacturing facilities in Georgia, Kentucky, and Poland, serving electric vehicle and energy storage markets.
The company's hydrometallurgical process recovers more than 95% of critical minerals - including lithium, cobalt, and nickel - from used batteries. According to the company's claims, this approach produces 49% lower CO2e emissions compared to traditional battery recycling methods and transforms feedstock into high-value materials more efficiently than conventional approaches.
Ascend Elements positions itself as a domestic supplier of critical minerals for North America and Europe, reducing reliance on imported battery materials. By extracting value from end-of-life batteries and manufacturing waste, the company participates in the circular economy for battery materials and supports the supply chain for electric vehicle and stationary energy storage applications.