• 07/31/2023
  • Report
  • Sustainability & CO2 neutrality
  • Melting and raw materials

Black mass from Schwarzheide

The chemical company BASF has opened Europe's first joint centre for battery material production and battery recycling in Schwarzheide, Brandenburg. According to the company, this is an important step towards closing the loop in the battery value chain: from the collection of used batteries to the recovery of mineral raw materials and their use in the production of new battery materials.

New plant from BASF
Martin Brudermüller
Martin Brudermüller, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of BASF SE.
"The modern plant for cathode materials and the recycling plant for the production of black mass underline that we as BASF believe in the future of the chemical industry in Europe and in Germany and invest in innovative products and services for our customers in our home market," said Martin Brudermüller, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of BASF SE, at the opening ceremony. It was also attended by European Commission Vice President Maroš Šefčovič, German Minister of Economics Robert Habeck and Brandenburg's Minister President Dietmar Woidke.

The new plant is the first production facility for high-performance cathode materials in Germany and also the first fully automated large-scale production facility for cathode materials in Europe. It is designed to deliver products tailored to the specific requirements of cell manufacturers and car makers in Europe. 

Recovery of important metals

Construction has begun on the plant to produce black mass, which contains important metals such as lithium, nickel, cobalt and manganese. These metals will be recovered and used to produce new cathode materials. Production is expected to start in 2024. Spent batteries and waste from battery production will be mechanically processed. 

The company's two plants at the Schwarzheide site will create around 180 new jobs.
 
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