Published: Thursday, 17 July 2025
WMG at the University of Warwick is joining forces with Mint Innovation, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), and LiBatt Recycling (part of Recyclus Group) in a new industry-academia consortium dedicated to accelerating lithium-ion battery recycling research and technology in the UK.
Funded by the UK Department for Business and Trade through the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC), this three-year project will scale up Mint Innovation’s technology to recover lithium, cobalt, and nickel from end-of-life EV batteries. The goal: to establish an onshore, circular supply chain for critical battery materials, strengthening the UK’s EV manufacturing base and reducing reliance on virgin mined resources.
Closing the loop: each partner’s role
- JLR will supply end-of-life lithium-ion batteries from electric vehicles.
- LiBatt Recycling will process these batteries into black mass.
- Mint Innovation will refine black mass into high-value metal salts.
- WMG, University of Warwick will integrate these recycled materials into new cathode active materials and battery cells — creating a full, closed-loop cycle.
Expert perspectives
“We’re incredibly excited to be part of this consortium to manufacture lithium-ion battery materials from recycled sources,”
said Professor Louis Piper, Professor of Battery Innovation at WMG.
Dr Beth Johnston, Assistant Professor for Cathode Materials Synthesis for EV Batteries at WMG, added:
“Our advanced processes aim to produce high-quality materials that meet the demanding performance standards of modern batteries, while also reducing reliance on virgin materials. This addresses supply chain challenges and advances circularity for more sustainable electrification.”
Dr Barker, CEO of Mint Innovation, commented:
“Partnering with JLR, LiBatt Recycling, and WMG allows us to pioneer sustainable recycling solutions and secure a domestic supply of green materials — critical for the UK’s fast-growing EV industry.”
Ian Constance, CEO of the APC, noted:
“This investment highlights the Government’s commitment to strengthening advanced manufacturing in the UK. The APC and its delivery partners are here to help scale innovation and transform the automotive sector.”
Supporting DRIVE35 and net-zero targets
The project will run over three years in the West Midlands, supporting the UK Government’s £2.5 billion DRIVE35 programme. DRIVE35 aims to power the UK automotive sector, create high-quality green jobs, and build resilient domestic supply chains — helping the country meet ambitious net-zero goals through clean, innovative solutions.
Learn more about WMG’s battery research:
