This new plant, the first of its kind in the U.S., is a significant development in the circular economy. It represents a shift from a linear model of resource extraction and consumption to a more sustainable and regenerative approach. The plant’s operation is expected to create 100 jobs and contribute to the local economy. The plant’s location in Fairfield, Ohio, is strategic for several reasons. It is close to major transportation routes, making it easy to transport the extracted metals to other parts of the company’s operations and to customers.

Nth Cycle is a company that specializes in recycling and reusing battery materials. They are working on a new technology that can be used to extract lithium, cobalt, and nickel from spent batteries. This technology is called “Battery-to-Battery” and it’s designed to be a more efficient and cost-effective way to recycle batteries.

The United States currently lacks a domestic source of nickel, relying on international imports for its supply. This dependence on foreign sources creates vulnerabilities in the supply chain and raises concerns about national security. The demand for nickel is surging due to the increasing electrification of the world, particularly for electric vehicles.

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is a landmark piece of legislation that aims to address climate change and reduce inflation. It includes provisions for tax credits and incentives to encourage the development and deployment of clean energy technologies. The IRA has been lauded for its potential to accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy.