US-based lead recycler, Aqua Metals expects to have its first upgraded electrolyzer operational by July 4 which will enhance its lead output capacity and reduce the cost of production, according to the company’s press release.
The company produced 140,000lbs and 200,000lbs of ‘aqua refined’ lead in April and May 2019, respectively. The company suffered a fire that occurred in the AquaRefining area in November last year which caused damage to the plant to a huge extent, however, activities are expected to be normal soon. COVID-19 forced the company to pause the finalizing and validation of the aqua refining electrolyzer in March, which will now be completed as improvements are under development which will increase operating efficiency and reduce the cost of operations. The company declined to comment by how much the production of recycled lead would increase post the installation of the electrolyzer.
The company suffered a decline in revenue in Q1 as the fire prohibited production until the end of the quarter, the company has not released production figures for Q1.
Aqua Metals is reinventing lead recycling with its patented AquaRefining technology which unlike smelting is a room temperature, water-based process that emits less pollution.