[SMM Nickel Market Flash] Umicore Promotes Battery Recycling as Europe's Answer to Nickel Supply Risk

Published: May 26, 2026 17:54

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Belgian materials group Umicore has released an analysis positioning its nickel recycling capabilities as central to European raw material autonomy. The company operates a pilot battery recycling plant in Hoboken, Belgium, that recovers more than 95% of nickel from end-of-life batteries, and says its R&D is focused on more efficient refining and recycling to support a secure European supply chain. Umicore's chief metallurgist for nickel and cobalt noted that supply is becoming increasingly complex due to geopolitical and environmental pressures. The release aligns Umicore's commercial positioning with EU 2030 targets for domestic nickel extraction, processing, and recycling, as Europe seeks to reduce dependence on Asian-controlled primary supply.

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