Aqua and Interstate pen battery supply deal

United States – Aqua Metals, the company commercialising a non-polluting electrochemical lead recycling technology called AquaRefining, has signed definitive agreements with Interstate Batteries covering the supply of more than a million automotive and other lead-acid batteries as feedstock for Aqua Metals’ so-called AquaRefineries.

Interstate will also make a strategic investment in Aqua Metals of approximately US$ 10 million. The partnership with Interstate, which operates the largest independent battery distribution system in North America and is the leading battery recycler, will start with Aqua Metals’ first AquaRefinery which will be located in Nevada’s Tahoe-Reno Industrial Complex and is set to open in July this year.

With a nationwide network of more than 200 000 dealers returning battery cores, Interstate recycled more than 24.9 million automotive batteries in 2015. In addition, the company sells more than 17 million automotive batteries annually.

‘Our focus is on the future of our industry and continued growth,’ says Scott Miller, Interstate’s president and ceo. ‘Aqua Metals’ breakthrough technology is a promising new way for recycling lead-acid batteries.’ The patent-pending AquaRefining process is a closed-loop, room-temperature, water-based recycling method that is fundamentally non-polluting and yet able to yield ‘nearly 100% lead recovery’.

Dr Stephen Clarke, chairman and ceo of Aqua Metals, comments: ‘With its forward-thinking environmental goals, broad distribution network and strong brand name, Interstate Batteries is an ideal partner for us as we scale our business.’