Canada

As part of a strategic review, Umicore has confirmed that it will continue to pause construction of its battery materials recycling plant at Loyalist in Ontario. A key element of the review has been to maximise the capacity utilisation of existing plants prior to any further expansion. Umicore has now decided to continue to press the pause button at Loyalist, adding that it intends to retain a solid core team on site at the local office.           

The announcement from the circular materials technology specialist, which cites the complexity of navigating the transition of the automotive industry towards electrified mobility, serves as another blow to Canada’s attempt to position itself as a global leader in electrification materials.

Hyundai Canada has recently announced its selection of Lithion as primary partner in the collection and recycling of electric vehicle modules and batteries. Dealerships across the country can now co-ordinate with Lithion to send these items to the company’s new processing facility near Montreal. According to Hyundai, the partnership reflects its commitment to the safe recycling of EV batteries and modules, the reduction of its carbon footprint and the promotion of a circular economy.