NORAM Electrolysis Systems Inc. (NESI) and HELM AG are pleased to announce the successful completion of an industrial-scale validation campaign demonstrating a novel multi-compartment electrolysis process for converting lithium from battery black mass into battery-grade lithium hydroxide.
The campaign marks a significant milestone in advancing sustainable lithium recycling, proving the technology’s ability to operate at industrially relevant scale while delivering high-purity lithium hydroxide suitable for battery manufacturing. The successful validation marks the culmination of a year-long collaboration between NESI and HELM AG to develop a commercially viable lithium refining process – paired with proprietary multi-compartment electrolyser technology – specifically designed to meet the scale, sustainability, and performance demands of Europe’s rapidly growing battery recycling industry.
The innovative process enables the purification and electrochemical conversion of lithium recovered from black mass, while simultaneously regenerating market-grade sulphuric acid as a valuable by-product. This regenerated acid can be recycled back into black mass digestion or sold into external markets, improving overall process economics and resource efficiency.
Compared to conventional black mass processing routes, the NESI–HELM technology eliminates chemical waste streams, significantly reduces reagent consumption, and lowers lifecycle CO₂ emissions. By minimizing waste generation and enabling closed-loop acid reuse, the process represents a step change toward cleaner, more circular battery materials recovery.
“This successful industrial-scale validation demonstrates that sustainable lithium recovery can be both technically robust and commercially viable,” said Jeremy Moulson, CEO of NESI. “Our collaboration with HELM AG accelerates the deployment of next-generation recycling solutions that support global battery supply chains and climate goals. Technologies like this help ensure that once critical minerals enter the European market, they remain there –supporting long-term supply security and circularity.”
Stephen Wallis, EVP at HELM added, “This technology has the potential to reshape how lithium is recovered from end-of-life batteries – reducing environmental impact while delivering high-value, battery-grade products at scale.”
Following a successful industrial-scale validation campaign, NESI and HELM are advancing to on-site deployment of electrochemical lithium refining, accelerating sustainable, low-carbon production of battery-grade lithium across the European ecosystem.
About NORAM Electrolysis Systems Inc. (NESI)
NORAM Electrolysis Systems Inc. (NESI) is a Canadian clean technology company specializing in advanced electrochemical solutions for sustainable lithium refining, battery materials processing, and critical minerals recovery. NESI develops and commercializes innovative electrolysis technologies that reduce environmental impact, lower carbon emissions, and enable circular resource flows across the battery and energy value chain. As part of the NORAM Group, NESI supports global clients with integrated process technology, engineering, and equipment supply to accelerate the transition to low-carbon, sustainable industrial systems. Learn more: https://www.nesi.tech
About Helm AG
Helm AG is a global, family-owned chemical distribution and marketing company headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, with operations in more than 30 countries. Helm is active across chemicals, fertilizers, energy materials, and pharmaceuticals, combining international market reach with deep technical and supply chain expertise. The company is committed to advancing sustainable solutions and responsible chemical supply chains, supporting innovation in circular economy technologies and low-carbon industrial processes worldwide. Learn more: https://www.helmag.com/
