1 day Ago By Theunis Jansen van Rensburg
With the increasing prevalence of lithium-ion batteries in everyday life, particularly in South Africa, the need for effective recycling solutions has become paramount. Cwenga Lib, a Johannesburg-based company, is addressing this challenge by establishing a new processing facility in Germiston. Read: iPhone 16 prices in South Africa announced, and its dropping The company’s facility collects lithium-ion batteries through various channels, including partnerships with informal collectors, contributing to waste management efforts in Gauteng.
Once collected, the batteries undergo a shredding process to extract the valuable metal-containing black mass. This black mass is then subjected to a proprietary hydrometallurgical process, using food-safe chemicals to leach out metals like lithium, manganese, nickel, and cobalt. Unlike traditional high-temperature pyrometallurgy methods, Cwenga Lib’s facility operates at room temperature, ensuring safer working conditions and greater feasibility in South Africa.
The extracted metals are purified and separated using ion-exchange columns, similar to chromatography, minimizing environmental impact. The facility’s modular design allows for scalability and adaptability, enabling it to be deployed in various locations. This flexibility eliminates the logistical challenges and environmental hazards associated with transporting used batteries across borders.
Cwenga Lib initially focuses on cobalt-containing batteries but plans to expand its capabilities to handle all types of lithium-ion batteries. This is crucial as the industry transitions towards new battery technologies with reduced cobalt content. The growing electric vehicle market is driving demand for lithium-ion battery recycling.
Legislation in the EU mandates a significant increase in the use of recycled cobalt in batteries by 2036. To minimize its environmental footprint, Cwenga Lib has adopted green practices, including the reuse of chemicals, minimal water usage, and responsible management of liquid waste. The facility also avoids energy-intensive methods like pyrometallurgy, which are both hazardous and less feasible in South Africa.
As demand for recycled materials continues to rise, Cwenga Lib plans to expand its operations, deploying additional modular units across South Africa and potentially neighbouring countries. This initiative is crucial for promoting sustainable battery management and reducing the environmental impact of lithium-ion batteries..
