Electra Battery Materials

Electra Battery Materials selected BESTECH to provide comprehensive on-site mechanical, electrical, and structural engineering assistance for their Black Mass Pilot/Demonstration Plant.
This innovative facility aimed to recover valuable materials such as lithium carbonate, nickel hydroxide, and cobalt hydroxide from 30 tons of processed black mass, using a sophisticated hydrometallurgical process developed by other specialists.
SCOPE
The BESTECH team was tasked with generating capital and operating cost estimates and developing essential process flow diagrams to streamline the operations. They also played a key role in creating general arrangements and schematics for the plant’s layout and systems.
In addition to the core engineering tasks, BESTECH designed and selected critical system components such as tank heating systems, autoclave cooling water systems, and screw conveyors for precipitating agents. The team also designed lithium concentration systems and fall arrest systems and provided substantial assistance with process instrumentation, controls, and automation. Furthermore, BESTECH facilitated the procurement process, managed warehouse inventory, and supervised the selection and work of contractors throughout the construction phase.
OUTCOME
The successful completion of the Black Mass Pilot/Demonstration Plant established it as the first of its kind in North America to utilize this particular hydrometallurgical process for electric vehicle battery refinement.