For Low‑Carbon, Recycled Battery‑Grade Lithium Carbonate
Partnership pairs Ascend Elements’ Hydro‑to‑Cathode® technology with Trafigura’s global marketing and logistics platform to accelerate a resilient battery materials supply chain
WESTBOROUGH, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#AscendElements—Ascend Elements, a leader in sustainable engineered battery materials and lithium‑ion recycling, today announces a multi‑year offtake agreement for lithium carbonate with Trafigura, a market leader in the global commodities industry. The agreement totals 15,000 metric tons (15 kilotons) to be delivered between 2027 and 2031.
Under the terms of the agreement, Trafigura will provide global marketing and logistics capabilities, while Ascend Elements produces refined, low-carbon lithium carbonate produced from recycled lithium‑ion batteries and manufacturing scrap via its patented Hydro-to-Cathode® process. The partnership supports Ascend Elements’ North American and European pipeline. Trafigura expands its portfolio of reliable, recycled materials it can place across its global customer base, supporting OEMs to meet circularity and compliance goals.
“Trafigura’s global platform paired with our Hydro-to-Cathode® process turns circularity into supply security,” said Linh Austin, President and CEO of Ascend Elements. “Together we’ll deliver low-carbon, recycled lithium carbonate that is traceable, responsibly-sourced, and available where customers build across the U.S. and Europe, reducing carbon, cost, and geopolitical risk while accelerating a resilient battery supply chain.”
As a market leader in the global commodities industry, Trafigura provides extensive market reach, logistics, and storage infrastructure to enable global distribution of Ascend Elements’ lithium carbonate.
Gonzalo De Olazaval, Global Head of Metals and Minerals at Trafigura, commented on the partnership: “We are pleased to be partnering with Ascend Elements and supporting the circular economy. Ascend Elements’ patented process, which produces battery-grade lithium carbonate from domestic scrap, is advancing the development of domestic battery supply chains in the US and Europe – a priority to ensure security of supply.”
About Ascend Elements
Ascend Elements is a U.S.‑based leader in sustainable engineered battery materials. With its patented Hydro‑to‑Cathode® process, the company transforms spent lithium‑ion batteries and manufacturing scrap into high‑performance precursor cathode active material (pCAM) and battery‑grade lithium salts at commercial scale. Ascend Elements’ circular approach reduces carbon intensity, shortens supply chains, and strengthens domestic energy security. For more information, visit www.ascendelements.com.
About Trafigura
Trafigura is a leading commodities group, owned by its employees and founded over 30 years ago. At the heart of global supply, Trafigura connects vital resources to power and build the world. We deploy infrastructure, market expertise and our worldwide logistics network to move oil and petroleum products, metals and minerals, gas and power from where they are produced to where they are needed, forming strong relationships that make supply chains more efficient, secure and sustainable. We invest in renewable energy projects and technologies to facilitate the transition to a low-carbon economy, including through MorGen Energy and joint venture Nala Renewables.
The Trafigura Group also comprises industrial assets and operating businesses including multi-metals producer Nyrstar, fuel storage and distribution company Puma Energy, the Impala Terminals joint venture and Greenergy, supplier and distributor of transportation fuels and biofuels. The Group employs over 13,000 people, of which over 1,400 are shareholders and is active in over 150 countries.
Visit: www.trafigura.com
Forward‑Looking Statements This press release contains forward‑looking statements, including statements regarding expected benefits of the offtake and marketing agreement, production ramp‑up plans, and market conditions. Actual results may differ materially due to a variety of risks and uncertainties. Neither Ascend Elements nor Trafigura undertakes any obligation to update forward‑looking statements.
Contacts
Media Contacts
Ascend Elements
Wilson Craig
SVP/GM Mindshare PR
wilson@mindsharepr.com
+1 408-516-6182
Trafigura
Press Office
media@trafigura.com
+41 (0) 22 592 4528
