The Ministry of Environment of the Province of Buenos Aires and the National University of La Plata (**UNLP**) will **recycle lithium batteries**.
The head of the ministry, **Daniela Vilar**, met with the dean of the Faculty of Exact Sciences, **Mauricio Erben**, and they signed the agreement.
This is a project that involves the **separation and recovery of lithium from electric and electronic products** that have completed their useful life cycle.
## Recycling lithium batteries: how it will work
Also present at the meeting were the Vice President of Academic Affairs of UNLP, **Fernando Tauber**, the institutional vice president **Andrea Varela**, and **Leandro Quiroga**, vice dean of the Faculty of Journalism and Social Communication.
The battery recovery project will last 12 months and will be led by Dr. **Jorge Sambeth**.
Processes of leaching will be used, **separating inorganic acids** from organic ones, recovering lithium as carbonate. Additionally, the **copper, aluminum, and plastic sheets** that make up the batteries will be separated.
This process also aims to design strategies for **interaction with the university scientific system** and other influential areas.
It aims to establish “a strong **link with industries in general**, with various government and non-governmental organizations,” they pointed out.
“With this agreement, we will finance the purchase of tools to continue promoting innovation, **sustainable waste management, and ecological transition** at the same time,” expressed Vilar.
“We believe that putting knowledge, the **educational community, and the State at the service of a fair transition** is crucial for popular environmentalism to become a reality in the province,” she added.
## The innovative technique that recovers 97% of lithium in the UK
Around the world, options are also being explored to extend the lifespan of these batteries, which are currently essential for the energy transition.
An innovative recycling technology developed in the UK could revolutionize the industry of **batteries for electric vehicles** (EVs).
The company **Altilium** announced the implementation of its EcoCathode™ method, capable of **recovering up to 97% of lithium and 99% of graphite** from **used batteries**, essential materials for the manufacture of new energy cells.
This advancement marks **a milestone in sector sustainability**. It helps reduce dependence on mineral extraction and strengthens the circular economy in the **UK**.
With the **increased demand for batteries**, the recovery of these critical materials is expected to play a key role in the **transition to clean energy** and in reducing environmental impact.
