At the R&D center in Hilchenbach, Germany, Primobius continuously tests and optimizes new processes and components with the goal of continually developing its solutions. Commercial-scale battery shredding equipment has been integrated with proprietary-design beneficiation and refining circuits. The R&D center provides the opportunity for vehicle, battery and consumer electronics manufacturers to observe how a plant built by Primobius can safely handle lithium-ion batteries (LiBs) and generate reusable materials for the production of new batteries and other goods.

The shredding and beneficiation plant in Hilchenbach offers customers the opportunity to efficiently test the recycling solutions provided by Primobius. The plant handles lithium-ion batteries of types NMC (lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxides), NCA (lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxides), or LCO (lithium cobalt oxides) from consumer electronics or electric vehicles in a sustainable way.

Any residual charge in the batteries can be removed at two unloading stations integrated in the process. Dismantling work required for larger modules, for example from electric vehicles, is performed at set-up stations before the individual cells are removed and shredded/beneficiated.

The final products resulting from the mechanical comminution and beneficiation in Hilchenbach is a mixed material fraction consisting of copper, aluminum, and plastic parts that have different compositions depending on the type of feedstock used. Following the principles of a circular economy, these materials can be returned straight back to the market. The balance of the active battery material is then ready for sale or refining (black mass).