Glencore’s Ill-Fated Battery Recycling Push Faces Leadership Exit

Published: Aug 20, 2025 17:25

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[SMM New Energy News Flash] Battery recycling was once viewed as a crucial driver of the green energy transition, with Glencore aiming to become a global leader in the sector. The company’s bold entry began in 2022 with a major investment in Li-Cycle, a startup that had attracted attention for its innovative lithium-ion battery recycling technology. Glencore hoped to combine its mining expertise with Li-Cycle’s advanced processes to dominate the growing industry. However, the partnership fell apart, exposing the challenges of scaling battery recycling. Following the collapse, Glencore saw the departure of Kunal Sinha, the executive who had led the initiative. In August 2025, Ajay Kochhar stepped in as the new head of battery recycling, tasked with reshaping the company’s strategy. He now faces the difficult task of reviving Glencore’s ambitions in a sector that has proven far more complex than initially expected.

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