Company news about Swedish LTU University Pioneers Integrated Flotation–Magnetic Separation for Battery Recycling
Swedish LTU University Pioneers Integrated Flotation–Magnetic Separation for Battery Recycling
2026-06-13
June 8, 2026 — Luleå University of Technology (LTU) announced a breakthrough: the world’s first flotation-magnetic separation hybrid system, capable of treating mine tailings and spent lithium battery black powder in one unit.
Principle: An adjustable electromagnetic coil inside the flotation tank selectively captures iron, cobalt and nickel, cutting chemical consumption by 30%.
Key data: Li-Co-Ni recovery up 8–12%; ideal for post-treatment with dry powder electromagnetic separators and slurry electromagnetic separators.
Commercialization: Pilot line with Nordic battery recyclers; full launch scheduled for 2027, with €200M+ equipment demand projected.