Litus, UWin Nanotech Enter MOU to Explore Projects Including Critical Mineral Recovery, Battery Recycling

Why It Matters

By combining nanotechnology with proven hydrometallurgical processes, the collaboration could lower costs and environmental impact of lithium and other battery‑grade material supply, bolstering the EV supply chain as demand surges.

Key Takeaways

• Litus' LiNC tech targets low‑grade brines previously deemed uneconomical
• UWin brings certified Apple‑supplier experience in hydrometallurgical battery recycling
• Joint feasibility work will assess economics of extracting cobalt, nickel, REEs
• Potential licensing or JV could fast‑track scalable, circular critical‑mineral supply chains

Pulse Analysis

The rapid expansion of electric‑vehicle (EV) fleets has intensified pressure on global lithium, cobalt and nickel supplies, prompting manufacturers to seek more sustainable sources. Traditional mining faces geopolitical risk and environmental scrutiny, while recycling remains under‑utilized despite containing up to 95% of a battery's valuable metals. As governments and OEMs push for circular economies, technologies that can efficiently harvest these elements from low‑grade brines, geothermal waters, and spent batteries are becoming strategic assets.

Litus’s flagship LiNC platform leverages a proprietary nanocomposite to selectively extract lithium in a single step, reducing energy use and chemical consumption compared with conventional solvent‑extraction methods. Its ReLiGN system applies the same nanomaterial science to recover battery‑grade lithium from end‑of‑life packs, promising near‑zero hazardous waste. UWin Nanotech complements this approach with decades of hydrometallurgical expertise, having been an Apple‑certified recycler since 2020 and mastering precious‑metal recovery from electronic scrap. The MOU enables both firms to combine Litus’s low‑energy nanotech with UWin’s proven leaching and purification processes, potentially unlocking higher recovery rates for cobalt, nickel and rare‑earth elements.

If the joint feasibility studies confirm commercial viability, the partnership could accelerate the rollout of scalable, low‑cost recycling hubs in North America and Asia. Licensing or joint‑venture structures would allow rapid technology transfer, helping battery manufacturers secure a domestic supply of critical minerals while meeting stricter ESG standards. Such a development would not only diversify the supply chain but also set a benchmark for future collaborations between nanomaterial innovators and established recyclers, shaping the next wave of sustainable battery production.