The largest plant in Poland for the recovery of strategic industrial and precious metals was opened

The new plant will process used Li-Ion batteries from EV cars and automotive and industrial catalysts. This process will allow obtaining valuable raw materials, which will then be used to produce battery material precursors (pCAM), new catalysts, and membranes for electrolyzers and fuel cells. The recovered metals will be used primarily in the electromobility industry and renewable energy. By-products also include plastics, copper, and aluminum.

“The processed materials, such as used batteries and post-production scrap, will mainly come from the European market, and the recovered metals will be delivered to companies that will use them in further production processes, contributing to sustainable development and reduction of CO2 emissions. In this way, the plant contributes to reducing the import of primary raw materials, the export of valuable materials outside the EU, and supports the domestic recycling market,” explains Maciej Dudzic, member of the management board of Elemental Strategic Metals.

“Our plant is not only a great investment that gives a chance to increase raw material security for Poland with a simultaneous reduced impact on the natural environment. It is also an impulse for the development of this region and new jobs for the inhabitants of Zawiercie and the region, who are well-known for their work ethos,” emphasizes Michał Zygmunt, CEO of Elemental Strategic Metals.

The Elemental factory in Zawiercie directly employs 120 employees from Zawiercie and the surrounding area, and indirectly generates about 100 jobs in cooperating companies. By the end of the year, about 30 more people will find employment there.

In addition, the plant has launched its own 12 MW photovoltaic farm and the largest energy storage facility in Poland, with a capacity of 10 MWh and a power of 5 MW.