Battery X Metals Achieves Graphite Recovery Breakthrough in Partnership with Global Top 20 University in Controlled Trials
Battery X Metals Achieves Graphite Recovery Breakthrough in Partnership with
Global Top 20 University in Controlled Trials
News Release Highlights:
1. Achieved an increased graphite recovery rate in controlled laboratory tests of up to 97% through
optimized flotation processes, reducing flotation time significantly compared to prior tests.
2. Improved graphite purity in controlled laboratory tests by 15-25%, reaching ~69%, as confirmed by
graphite burn off assays, while minimizing contamination from metal oxides.
3. Demonstrated superior separation performance compared to prior flotation tests, reinforcing
Battery X Metals’ proprietary eco-friendly flotation process development, with enhanced efficiency
in concentrate and tailings management.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia – April 4, 2025 – Battery X Metals Inc.
(CSE:BATX)(OTCQB:BATXF)(FSE:R0W, WKN:A3EMJB) (“Battery X Metals ” or the “ Company”) an energy
transition resource exploration and technology company, announces a breakthrough in graphite recovery
laboratory tests in partnership with the Institute of Mining Engineering at a globally ranked Top 20
University (the “Global Top 20 University”).
Further to the Company’s news release dated February 24, 2025, recent laboratory testing conducted
with unoxidized 500g Nickel, Manganese, and Cobalt (NMC)-dominant black mass samples using Denver
Cell flotation devices in collaboration with the Global Top 20 University has demonstrated significant
improvements in graphite recovery and purity using the Company’s optimized eco-friendly flotation
process. The latest flotation tests delivered a 97% graphite recovery rate, marking a substantial increase
from prior tests, which achieved only ~40% recovery when applying solvent pre-washing methods.
In addition to improved recovery rates, the latest laboratory tests confirmed a graphite purity of ~69%,
surpassing the 55%-59% purity observed in prior tests. Notably, the flotation time was reduced, with
separation occurring within 5-7 minutes, compared to 13-19 minutes in previous tests, demonstrating
improved flotation kinetics. The Company used graphite burn-off assays to determine purity, where
samples were subjected to 750°C for two hours, measuring the percentage of residual oxides and
confirming improved separation efficiency. Importantly, these results minimized contamination from
metal oxides, showcasing the efficiency of Battery X Metals’ proprietary process in separating graphite
concentrate from black mass tailings.
Conversely, prior tests, which involved pre-washing black mass with a solvent, resulted in higher metal
oxide recovery (~78%) but at the cost of significantly lower graphite recovery (~40%). This indicates that
while solvent pre-washing may aid metal oxide separation, it negatively impacts graphite flotation
efficiency.
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Next Steps in the Collaborative Research and Development Program
The Company is now focusing on further refining its separation process to maximize both graphite and
metal oxide recovery. Recent findings indicate that flotation issues in the first NMC sample were caused
by graphite oxidation, with a potential binder also being a concern. To address this, upcoming tests will
evaluate solvent cleaning to improve graphite purity and investigate a “reverse” flotation approach using
surfactants to selectively recover oxides. These enhancements, along with the exploration of advanced
surfactants and selective collectors, aim to optimize flotation efficiency and improve overall material
recovery.
“This latest breakthrough is a significant step forward in our commitment to advancing sustainable battery
material recovery,” said Massimo Bellini Bressi, CEO of Battery X Metals. “Achieving 97% graphite recovery
in laboratory tests is a major milestone in our mission to develop a cleaner, more efficient recycling
solution for end-of-life lithium-ion batteries. Our ongoing partnership with the Global Top 20 University
continues to yield positive results that aim to support a more circular and sustainable energy economy.”
Graphite Recovery & Grade Comparison
Parameter Recent Test #1
(Frother-Only)
Recent Test #2
(Frother &
Collector)
Prior Test #1
(Frother &
Collector, pre-
washed w/
Solvent)
Prior Test #2
(Frother & Collector,
pre-washed w/
Solvent), pre-
washed w/ Solvent
& Water)
Graphite
Recovery (%)
96.86% 97.02% 42.35% 39.95%
Graphite Grade
(%)
69.20% 68.66% 55.20% 59.50%
Metal Oxide Recovery & Grade Comparison
Parameter Recent Test #1
(Frother-Only)
Recent Test #2
(Frother &
Collector)
Prior Test #1
(Frother &
Collector, pre-
washed w/
Solvent)
Prior Test #2
(Frother & Collector,
pre-washed w/
Solvent), pre-
washed w/ Solvent
& Water)
Metal Oxide
Recovery (%)
38.03% 36.59% 75.44% 78.60%
Metal Oxide
Grade (%)
89.37% 89.57% 64.68% 62.45%
Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling Industry Tailwinds and the Significance of Graphite Recovery
Battery X Metals, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Battery X Recycling Technologies Inc., is advancing
sustainable lithium-ion battery recycling through its amended research collaboration agreement with the
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Global Top 20 University. The research focuses on proprietary froth flotation technology under
development to recover critical battery-grade materials—graphite, lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese,
and copper—from end-of-life lithium-ion batteries, supporting a circular battery economy.
Graphite, comprising 95% of lithium-ion battery anodes1, is often neglected in traditional hydrometallurgy
and pyrometallurgy recycling methods 2. Battery X Metals’ process shows promise to enable the
separation of cathode-active metal oxides from anode-active graphite without degradation, unlike high-
temperature treatments3 and chemical leaching4 processes such as pyrometallurgy and hydrometallurgy.
In October 2024, Mercedes-Benz (FSE:MBG) opened Europe’s first battery recycling plant, integrating
mechanical-hydrometallurgical processes and becoming the first automotive manufacturer worldwide to
establish an in-house battery recycling loop 5, underscoring the industry’s shift toward battery recycling.
The global shift toward electrification is driving the clean energy transition, with lithium-ion batteries
playing a central role in reducing reliance on fossil fuels 6. Global lithium-ion battery demand is projected
to rise 670% by 2030 7 with energy storage requirements rising from 700 GWh in 2022 to 4.7 TWh 7,
primarily due to EVs 7. Yet, recycling remains underutilized, with less than 5% of batteries currently
recycled8. EVs and battery storage will account for nearly half of mineral demand growth from clean
energy technologies over the next two decades 9, making the recovery of materials like graphite, lithium,
nickel, and cobalt critical.
As the industry prioritizes battery recycling, Battery X Metals’ eco-friendly technology stands out by
recovering battery-grade graphite—anode material often lost in conventional methods. This positions
Battery X Metals to address a major gap in the growing battery recycling market.
1 ECGA, 2 National Library of Medicine, 3 Rho Motion, 4 LA Ist, 5 Mercedes-Benz, 6 Energy X, 7 Mckinsey & Company, 8 CAS, 9 Mining Review Africa
About Battery X Metals Inc.
Battery X Metals (CSE:BATX) (OTCQB:BATXF) (FSE:R0W, WKN:A3EMJB) is an energy transition resource
exploration and technology company committed to advancing domestic and critical battery metal
resource exploration and developing next-generation proprietary technologies. Taking a diversified, 360°
approach to the battery metals industry, the Company focuses on exploration, lifespan extension, and
recycling of lithium-ion batteries and battery materials. For more information, visit batteryxmetals.com.
On Behalf of the Board of Directors
Massimo Bellini Bressi, Director
For further information, please contact:
Massimo Bellini Bressi
Chief Executive Officer
Email: [email protected]
Tel: (604) 741-0444
Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws.
These statements relate to the Company’s objectives, strategies, and future plans, including the
development, commercialization, and deployment of proprietary technologies, exploration initiatives, and
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financial objectives. Specific forward-looking statements include expectations regarding the ongoing
research collaboration with the Global Top 20 University, further refinements of the Company’s proprietary
eco-friendly flotation process, anticipated improvements in graphite and metal oxide recovery, purity
levels, and flotation kinetics, as well as the evaluation of alternative separation methods such as solvent
cleaning and reverse flotation using surfactants. Additionally, forward-looking statements include the
anticipated benefits of the Company’s froth flotation technology in battery material recovery, including its
potential applications in the battery recycling and mining industries, and its ability to contribute to a
circular battery economy by recovering high-purity graphite and critical battery metals from end-of-life
lithium-ion batteries. The release also includes statements regarding the Company’s next steps in
optimizing its separation process to maximize both graphite and metal oxide recovery, including exploring
advanced surfactants, selective collectors, and refining process parameters to enhance efficiency. Further
forward-looking statements relate to broader industry trends, including the projected increase in global
lithium-ion battery demand, the growing importance of sustainable battery recycling, and the evolving
regulatory landscape supporting critical mineral recovery. These forward-looking statements are based on
current expectations, assumptions, and beliefs as of the date of this release. However, they involve known
and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results or events to differ
materially from those expressed or implied. Risks include, but are not limited to, market conditions,
fluctuations in commodity prices, and regulatory changes impacting battery recycling and material
recovery technologies; technical challenges in the development, testing, and optimization of the
Company’s flotation process and separation methodologies; the ability to secure financing or government
support to advance research and commercialization efforts; potential delays, unexpected findings, or
setbacks in laboratory testing and pilot-scale validation of the Company’s proprietary recovery processes;
dependence on third-party collaborations, university research partnerships, and external suppliers for
equipment and testing; competition in the battery recycling and critical minerals market, including
advancements in alternative recycling technologies; and changes in consumer demand, global supply
chains, or geopolitical factors affecting the adoption of sustainable battery recycling solutions. Battery X
Metals assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events,
circumstances, or changes in expectations, except as required by law. Investors are cautioned not to place
undue reliance on these forward-looking statements and are encouraged to refer to the Company’s public
filings on SEDAR+ for further risk disclosures.