Marubeni Invests $5 Million in UK-Based Lithium-Ion Battery Recycler Altilium Metals

Marubeni Corporation has completed a $5 million investment in Altilium Metals Ltd., a UK-based company focused on lithium-ion battery (LiB) recycling. The investment was made through a third-party allocation of new shares, positioning Marubeni as a strategic partner in Altilium's expansion within the sustainable energy sector.

Altilium currently operates a pilot plant in Plymouth, UK, where it recycles lithium-ion batteries from electric vehicles (EVs) to produce low-carbon, sustainable materials such as sulphate for battery manufacturing. Looking ahead, Altilium plans to scale operations by constructing a large production facility in Teesside, UK, with the capacity to process batteries from approximately 150,000 EVs annually. This expansion aims to support the creation of a closed-loop supply chain in the UK, covering everything from battery collection to the production of new battery materials.

Marubeni's investment aligns with its Mid-Term Management Strategy, GC2024, which emphasizes a green strategy as a core pillar for enhancing corporate value. By supporting the growth of the LiB recycling industry, Marubeni aims to contribute to global decarbonization goals while strengthening the supply chain for critical rare metals vital to economic security.

The partnership builds on a memorandum of understanding signed between Marubeni and Altilium in July 2023. Both companies are committed to advancing sustainable battery recycling operations and supporting the transition to a circular economy in the UK.