Miner backs Kenya’s first lithium-ion battery recycling plant

UK-based Marula Mining is investing in Kenya’s first lithium-ion battery recycling and critical metals recovery facility.

The company is partnering with Nairobi’s WEEE Centre, a leading e-waste firm active in 18 African countries.

Through its local subsidiary, Marula Metals Processing, Marula will inject EUR 500 000 into initial development. The facility will recover lithium, cobalt, manganese and nickel from spent batteries, using proven, environmentally sound technologies. A line will be dedicated to extracting black mass.

According to the National Environment Management Authority, Kenya’s 56.4 million population generates about 51 300 tonnes of e-scrap each year. Yet only an estimated 17% of this waste is currently recycled, underlining the urgent need for advanced processing solutions.

E-mobility boost

Momentum is building fast. Kenya’s EV registrations surged by over 1 000%, from 475 in 2022 to 5 294 at the end of 2024. This growth will put further pressure on the country’s waste management systems and heighten demand for sustainable battery recycling.

Marula Mining’s ceo Jason Brewer says the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to sustainable development and Kenya’s green energy transition. ‘This project has the potential to deliver scalable infrastructure for critical material recycling across the region,’ he adds.