Michigan is funding AI that can extract minerals from used batteries

The state of Michigan is investing in university research programs aimed at addressing the growing challenge of extracting valuable minerals from discarded batteries.

Key funding initiative: Lawrence Technological University secured a $2.3 million grant from Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) to develop automated battery recycling systems.

• The project will focus on creating AI-powered systems to disassemble and sort both consumer and electric vehicle batteries
• The initiative aims to reduce battery waste in Michigan landfills while improving the quality of recycled materials
• Artificial intelligence will be utilized to identify and sort various elements found in batteries

Supply chain implications: The United States faces significant challenges in securing critical battery materials, with China currently dominating the global supply chain.

• Approximately 90% of nickel, cobalt, and lithium mining and processing occurs in China
• The U.S. has only one operational nickel mine, located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula near Marquette
• Experts estimate that 72 new nickel mines would be needed to meet domestic battery production requirements

Growing environmental concerns: The increasing adoption of electric vehicles and electronic devices is creating an urgent need for battery recycling solutions.

• Projections indicate 200,000 metric tons of EV batteries will reach end-of-life status in the U.S. by 2027
• Global end-of-life EV batteries are expected to reach 800,000 metric tons by the same year
• Disposable vape pens with lithium-ion batteries pose particular challenges in municipal waste streams, with risks of fires and explosions

Additional research initiatives: Michigan’s EGLE has funded two other university projects to advance battery recycling technology.

• University of Michigan received $1.49 million to demonstrate a 500-kilowatt energy storage system using repurposed EV batteries in Flint
• Michigan State University was awarded $706,000 to develop recycling methods for lithium-ion phosphate battery cathode materials

Future outlook: As battery waste continues to grow exponentially, the success of these research initiatives could prove crucial for establishing sustainable recycling practices and reducing U.S. dependence on foreign mineral supplies.