Betolar and Metso agree side stream deal

Using Betolar's technology, the analcime sand generated as a side stream in lithium extraction can be used as gravel and binder in materials for low-carbon building, infrastructure and mining construction, which reduces emissions and the use of virgin natural resources in concrete production.

"With our sustainable circular economy solution, the added value of analcime sand can be significantly increased. The three-year cooperation agreement with Metso supports access to markets that are key to our strategy. The cooperation strengthens our growth opportunities globally, especially in the waste upcycling business," said Ville Voipio, chief commercial officer at Betolar.

Lithium production for e-mobility and energy storage batteries will produce increasing amounts of analcime sand as the green technology transition progresses. The battery industry is interested in finding financially and environmentally sustainable further use for increasing side streams.

Commenting on the deal, Mikko Rantaharju, vice president, Hydrometallurgy at Metso, said: "The demand for Metso's battery materials technology is in a strong growth phase. Together with Betolar, we can offer our customers a comprehensive solution that can also take into account the circular economy use of side streams in an innovative and sustainable way."

Betolar has developed recipes and methods for utilizing analcime sand and has carried out commercial customer projects. Betolar's research on analcime sand has been funded as part of the EU's key projects responding to the needs of the green transition in key industries.