HIGHLIGHTS

• ACE Clean is focused on creating a cleaner, safer way to recycle batteries.
• Nishchay Chadha has nearly two decades of experience in the mining and commodities sector.
• Lead batteries are highly recyclable, with 60-70% coming from recycled sources.
• The non-smelting process uses organic chemicals and operates at room temperature.
• ACE Clean's technology is modular, allowing for gradual implementation in existing facilities.
• The company aims to partner with other recyclers to transition the industry.
• There is a significant gap in the US market for battery recycling capacity.
• Policy frameworks in the US and India are evolving to support domestic supply chains.
• Misconceptions about battery recycling often lead to the belief that they end up in landfills.
• The future of recycling includes addressing challenges like mine tailings and nuclear waste.

SUMMARY

In this episode of the Rare Earth Exchanges podcast, Dustin Olsen and Daniel O'Connor interview Nishchay Chadha, co-founder of ACE Clean Battery Recycling. They discuss the innovative approaches to battery recycling, particularly focusing on lead batteries, and the importance of transitioning from traditional smelting processes to cleaner, non-smelting methods. Nishchay shares his extensive background in the mining and commodities industry, the challenges faced in battery recycling, and the need for partnerships and technology licensing to drive change. The conversation also touches on the parallels between critical minerals and battery recycling, the impact of policy frameworks on market dynamics, and the future challenges in the recycling industry.

CHAPTERS

• 00:00 Introduction to ACE Clean Battery Recycling
• 05:14 Nishchay Chadha's Journey in the Mining Industry
• 09:21 Innovative Non-Smelt Recycling Process
• 14:20 Transitioning the Recycling Industry
• 17:57 The Importance of Lead Battery Recycling
• 22:01 Parallels Between Critical Minerals and Battery Recycling
• 26:15 Policy Frameworks and Their Impact