VSPC Ltd – a subsidiary of battery chemical technology company Lithium Australia – has obtained a co-funded grant from the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC).
VSPC, which operates an R&D and pilot plant facility in Brisbane, will use the grant to advance processes for the utilisation of high-grade iron materials and LFP from mineral sources and from the recycling of lithium-ion batteries.
The project is co-funded by VSPC, its partners and AMGC, with AMGC providing matched grant funds of up to $185,000.
Lithium Australia Managing Director Adrian Griffin said having the technology to utilise lower-cost raw materials and reuse materials from battery recycling would provide important competitive advantages for VSPC, given that raw materials make up more than half of the cost of producing LIB cathode materials.
“This co-funding grant from AMGC is an important contribution to the sustainability of LIB manufacture,” Mr Griffin continued.
“Society can no longer afford to tolerate the single-use mentality of past generations. VSPC’s initiative to advance the application of lower-cost raw materials is a significant step forward for the battery industry.
“We have a strong team and talented partners capable of delivering an outcome that will benefit the environment, consumers and shareholders alike.”
AMGC Managing Director Dr. Jens Goennemann said the not-for-profit organisation was pleased to support VSPC as it moves to commercialise its groundbreaking lithium-cathode manufacturing process.
“VSPC’s project addresses several global challenges, particularly how to conserve precious raw materials, deal with battery waste and reduce landfill, all while reducing cost,” he added.
“VSPC and its partners are a further demonstration of the power of collaboration and the skills that exist in Australia to tackle such a complex process while turning waste into opportunity.”
Partners in the project include Lithium Australia NL through its subsidiary companies Envirostream and RCARC, as well as LIB-cell manufacturer DLG Battery Co. Ltd (Shanghai) – who will provide testing services to the project – and the University of Queensland – who will supply analytical and material characterisation services.
