Veolia inaugurates an innovative strategic metals extraction site in Europe

Veolia is launching a pioneering project in the Grand Est region to strengthen European industrial sovereignty. This strategic metals extraction site aims to structure a self-sustaining circular economy. The cutting-edge technology used allows for the recovery of more than 90% of the cobalt, nickel, and copper from used electric batteries. This initiative addresses a market estimated at over one billion euros, with 700,000 tons of batteries to be processed in Europe within five years.

Veolia's project marks a significant step towards reducing Europe's dependence on metal imports. This site uses proprietary hydrometallurgical technology to process black mass, a residue from battery shredding. The recovered metals will be reused in the automotive, construction, and defense sectors.

The establishment of this site is part of a broader vision of an autonomous and competitive Europe. Veolia and the European Commission emphasize the importance of European support for developing a sustainable circular industry model. Other similar projects are planned in the United Kingdom, Belgium, and Slovenia.