Marula Metals commits Sh74.8million to battery recycling project in Kenya
The project aims to establish a black mass extraction facility for end-of-life lithium-ion batteries, targeting the recovery of lithium, cobalt, manganese, nickel and other high-value battery materials
Marula Mining has announced its investment of Sh74.8 million (EUR 500,000) in support of the early-stage development of a lithium-ion battery recycling and critical metals processing facility in Kenya, with a focus on the recovery and repurposing of e-waste and battery materials.
The deal was concluded through a formal collaboration agreement between its wholly owned subsidiary, Marula Metals Processing Ltd, and WEEE Centre Limited, a Kenyan-registered social enterprise that offers the services of e-waste management through engagement of youths and communities in the e-waste processing value chains for improved social, economic and environmental conditions in a sustainable circular model.
Established in 2012, the Centre is promoting environmental sustainability through responsible e-waste management while also driving innovation, public awareness, and green job creation across Kenya and has operations across 18 African countries.
The agreement follows WEEE Centre’s submission of a comprehensive concept note, which identified lithium-ion battery waste as a critical challenge and opportunity within Kenya’s clean energy and e-mobility transition.
Under the terms of the agreement, Marula Metals expects to satisfy the initial EUR 500,000 commitment from a combination of anticipated future cash flows from its operations and potential financing arrangements.
This commitment reflects the Company’s continued focus on the sustainable and responsible development of Africa’s natural resources and aligns strongly with its ESG policies and support towards the economy transformation in the energy and mining sectors.
Highlights
· The project aims to establish a black mass extraction facility for end-of-life lithium-ion batteries, targeting the recovery of lithium, cobalt, manganese, nickel and other high-value battery materials.
· The project is intended to directly support circular economy objectives, reduce environmental pollution, and promote responsible sourcing of battery materials within Africa.
· The project will be operated through a Special Purpose Vehicle to be established and managed by WEEE Centre
· Marula Metals has committed an initial funding of EUR 500,000 to support the development phase and implementation of the Project, with the option to provide further investment in later phases of the Project
· Marula Metals’ investment will support key aspects of the Project’s initial phase, including infrastructure development, pilot project implementation, and technical research.
· WEEE Centre intends to spend LIBs from various sources including households, solar firms, telecommunication companies, and e-waste aggregators across Kenya
· WEEE Centre aims to establish a dedicated black mass extraction line, upgrading existing facilities and deploying tested LIB-safe processing technologies to operate a controlled, environmentally compliant process to extract black mass
· A joint monitoring and evaluation framework will be established by both parties to ensure transparent deployment of funds and alignment with shared impact goals
The collaboration marks a step in Marula’s ongoing expansion into value-added processing, critical metals recycling, and urban mining, which said it remains committed to a sustainable and responsible development in the battery and critical minerals sector and to promoting value addition and circular economy initiatives across its areas of operation.
Jason Brewer, CEO of Marula Mining, said: “We are delighted to formally partner with WEEE Centre. This agreement enables us to participate in delivering sustainable, scalable recycling infrastructure for LIBs and critical materials in Kenya.
“We look forward to working closely with WEEE Centre and future onboarding partners to develop a processing and recycling project.
“It also reinforces our initiatives into processing and value creation, which will support Kenya’s industrial growth, green transition, and long-term economic resilience.”
Bonnie Mbithi, CEO of WEE Centre, said: “We are thrilled to be advancing a bold new project with Marula Metals to develop a scalable, sustainable solution for extracting black mass from end-of-life Lithium-Ion batteries in Kenya.
“Our goal is to recover valuable materials like lithium, cobalt, manganese, and nickel in a bid to support Africa’s circular economy initiatives and helping meet global demand for critical battery components. Through a strong business model, spanning collection of spent LIBs, local processing and refining of black mass, we are turning e-waste into an even bigger economic opportunity.
“This project not only tackles a growing environmental challenge, but also builds local capacity, creates green jobs, and positions Kenya as a regional leader in responsible battery recycling and resource recovery.”
Marula Mining Plc is a London stock exchange listed and African focused mining and exploration investment company, which aims at identifying and investing in advanced and high-value mining projects throughout East, Central and Southern Africa that can deliver rapidly for its shareholders and can be taken through to production and generate positive returns for all stakeholders.
