Green engineering firm Recyclus Group is set to commence operations at a new battery recycling plant in the Black Country after receiving final government approval.
The business has secured a so-called final draft operator review from the Environment Agency for a licence to commence full operations at its lithium-ion facility in Wolverhampton.
Recyclus Group said this draft approval was a major milestone for the business as it would be able to operate an industrial-scale plant with the capability to recycle lithium-ion batteries.
It will process the kind of batteries found in consumer electronic goods such as mobile phones, tablets and laptops as well power tools and electric vehicles.
Recyclus is part of the London-based listed Technology Minerals group which is aiming to create a sustainable circular economy for battery metals.
Last year, it opened a new plant in Tipton to recycle lead-acid batteries such as those typically used in automotive vehicles.
Chairman Robin Brundle said: "Receiving the Environment Agency final approval draft to commence full automated operations in Wolverhampton is a landmark moment for the company and for the UK.
"The battery recycling facility will be the first in the UK with capability to recycle lithium-ion batteries on an industrial scale and will immediately begin recycling operations once the official certification is issued which we expect imminently.
"With feedstock stored and ready to be processed, everything is in place to kick start operations at the facility and commence generation of cash flow.
"Recyclus will generate revenue through gate fees and the sale of the recycled materials that can then be reused in various industries, with the added benefit of diverting spent batteries from landfill.
"As the world transitions to electrification and demand for lithium-ion batteries increases, we believe we have a strong, first-mover advantage for what is an industrial-scale opportunity.
"We look forward to building long-term relationships with businesses and organisations, both in the UK and internationally, which need a solution for their end-of-life batteries."
