Mr. Larry Reaugh reports

PATENT APPLICATION SUBMITTED FOR RECOVERING CATHODE MATERIALS FROM SPENT LITHIUM ION ELECTRIC VEHICLE BATTERIES. WITH PROOF OF CONCEPT WORK COMPLETE, COMPANY PREPARES TO COMMENCE GRADUATED TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

American Manganese Inc. has filed a provisional patent application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for its innovative process for recovering of cathode materials (lithium, cobalt, nickel, aluminum and manganese) from spent lithium-ion electric vehicle (EV) batteries. The energy-efficient, environmentally friendly hydrometallurgical process produces high-purity metal products that have been demonstrated to be suitable for direct recycling back into new lithium-ion batteries.

Larry Reaugh, president and chief executive officer, stated: "This revolutionary process provides a cleaner, environmentally sustainable recycling alternative to the current disposal options of either landfilling or smelting the spent lithium-ion electric vehicle batteries. Furthermore, as the adoption of electric vehicles accelerates, the problems of suppling new cathode materials for new EV lithium-ion batteries and disposing of spent lithium-ion EV batteries will escalate accordingly. AMI's recycling process could provide a secure, verifiable source of the cathode materials feedstocks, thereby reducing the need for new mines in potentially economically or socially risky jurisdictions."

The proof-of-concept testing program executed by Kemetco Research Inc. demonstrated that leach extractions of 100 per cent are possible, for both lithium and cobalt from cathode powders used for lithium-ion batteries. High-purity cathode compounds were then precipitated and the recovered constituents were combined and heat treated to regenerate usable cathode materials which were used to build a working lithium-ion coin cell battery. The provisional patent application sets a priority date of the invention which encompasses a complete closed-loop process for recovery of the target compounds in an energy- and water-efficient manner.

"The company is now embarking on the additional research work that is required to fully develop the potential of its recycling process," Mr. Reaugh continued. "Kemetco has prepared a graduated technology development program with the goal of developing a complete flowsheet to maximize the recovery of valuable cathode components, while minimizing reagent consumption and addressing water balance in an environmentally friendly and economic manner."

About American Manganese

American Manganese is focused on capitalizing on its patented intellectual property through low-cost production or recovery of electrolytic manganese products throughout the world and recycling of spent electric vehicle lithium-ion rechargeable batteries. American Manganese aims to capitalize on its patented technology and proprietary know-how to become an industry leader in the recycling of spent electric vehicle lithium-ion batteries.

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