TheTechno Optimist.

Battery recycling network (six operating sites)Cirba Solutions—First mass-production EVs using Cirba-recycled battery materials reach customersBattery recycling network (six operating sites)Cirba Solutions—GM completes closed-loop EV battery recycling pilot with Cirba Solutions, producing 100% recycled cathode active material

Cirba Solutions

Battery recycling, critical minerals recovery

USprivateest. 2022cirbasolutions.com (opens cirbasolutions.com)Checked 10 Oct

The brief

Analyst view
  • Six operating facilities across North America (Michigan, Ohio, Arizona, California, BC); expanding to seventh site in South Carolina.
  • GM closed-loop pilot (Sept 2026): 80 EV batteries recycled into 12 tons of 100% recycled CAM in new Cadillacs, Chevys and GMCs.
  • Lancaster, Ohio facility expansion ($400M) producing battery-grade metal sulfates; South Carolina facility planned with $200M DOE award.

Technical approach

As reported
Disassembly

Safe battery disassembly and sorting

Cirba safely breaks down end-of-life EV battery packs, separates cells, and sorts materials by chemistry and condition.

Black mass production

Pyrolysis and physical processing

Heated processing converts battery cells into black mass, a mixed-metal residue that concentrates nickel, cobalt, manganese and lithium.

Cathode recovery

Chemical leaching and precipitation

Cirba dissolves black mass and separates metals into pure solutions, then precipitates cathode active material (CAM) that meets battery maker specifications.

Primer