Researchers test a new production method for lithium ion batteries

An American Manganese mining site. — Photo courtesy American Manganese

American Manganese Inc. recently launched a research project with Kemetco Research. The joint venture expects to develop lithium ion battery materials.

Lithium ion batteries offer tremendous potential for expansion because people from all walks of life use this technology, and probably don’t realize it. Do you drive a hybrid or a fully electric vehicle? Then you're using lithium ion batteries.

The hydrometallurgical process, developed by Kemetco, opens doors for industry professionals—allowing production agencies to utilize a method of introducing impurities to battery-grade lithium ion batteries. Typically, these resources are grinded and roasted, but the Kemetco process will be testing an alternative process.

This particular project begins on March 9, 2012 and it’s expected that the first three months will be spent producing high purity electrolytic manganese metal (EMM). Afterwards, the research group will begin to focus on producing test batteries and preparing final products.

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