R3 Lithium Launches First Commercial-Scale Lithium Carbonate Recovery Plant in Georgia, Targeting Over Half of U.S. Domestic Production

September 6, 2026

Resource Recycling USA

Overview

R3 Lithium announced the September 10th launch of the U.S.’s first commercial-scale lithium carbonate recovery facility in Covington, Georgia. This pioneering plant will utilize a proprietary ‘lithium-first’ extraction process to recover and refine lithium carbonate from black mass and manufacturing scrap. Once fully operational, it is projected to supply over 50% of the domestic lithium carbonate production next year, significantly bolstering the U.S. critical mineral supply chain and reducing reliance on foreign sources.

In Depth

Key Findings

R3 Lithium announced the activation of the United States’ first commercial-scale lithium carbonate recovery facility in Covington, Georgia, on September 10, 2026. This groundbreaking facility is designed to recover and refine high-purity lithium carbonate from spent battery black mass and manufacturing scrap, reintroducing it into the domestic battery supply chain. The company aims to account for over 50% of the U.S. domestic lithium carbonate production once fully operational next year, marking a critical advancement in national critical mineral self-sufficiency.

Technical & Clinical Details

The R3 Lithium facility employs a proprietary ‘lithium-first’ extraction process, distinguishing it from conventional battery recycling methods. This technology prioritizes the efficient extraction of high-value lithium carbonate while simultaneously enabling the recovery of other vital metals such as nickel, cobalt, and manganese. This approach minimizes waste and produces battery-grade materials directly from recycled feedstocks, improving the quality of secondary raw materials and reducing overall costs. The plant leverages technology and infrastructure acquired from the former Ascend Elements, facilitating rapid deployment and scalability.

Background & Context

As the demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and battery energy storage systems (BESS) surges, the United States has prioritized the establishment of a domestic supply chain for critical battery minerals, including lithium. Current lithium refining capacity is heavily concentrated in Asia, creating supply chain vulnerabilities. R3 Lithium’s initiative is crucial for reducing this dependency, mitigating geopolitical risks, and fostering a more resilient domestic supply. Furthermore, circular economy principles, enabled by advanced recycling, contribute to environmental sustainability and reduced reliance on primary mining.

Strategic Significance & Outlook

The launch of this commercial-scale facility represents a significant milestone for the U.S. battery recycling industry. R3 Lithium has secured $15 million in Series A funding from prominent investors, including GlobalTech partners, TDK Ventures, and Axial Partners, providing a robust foundation for future expansion. The success of R3 Lithium is expected to stimulate further investment and development within the U.S. battery recycling ecosystem, enhancing the environmental and economic performance of the entire EV battery lifecycle and accelerating the broader adoption of next-generation energy storage technologies.

Source: https://resource-recycling.com/e-scrap/2026/09/04/r3-lithium-launches-pioneering-mineral-processing-facility/

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