Lifezone Metals Limited announced that its Simulus Laboratories completed the first production run of platinum, palladium and rhodium from U.S. spent automotive catalytic converters. The pilot test, conducted under the company’s proprietary Hydromet process, processed one ton of material through 1,179 locked‑cycle and pilot batch tests over a 24‑month period, achieving recovery rates exceeding 99 % for platinum and palladium and 95 % for rhodium.
The achievement demonstrates the viability of Hydromet as a cleaner, more efficient alternative to traditional smelting. The process emits no sulfur dioxide and generates substantially lower carbon dioxide emissions, positioning Lifezone as a leader in ESG‑aligned critical‑metal recycling. The high recovery rates confirm that the technology can deliver market‑grade metals, a key requirement for supplying automakers and battery manufacturers that demand traceable, responsibly sourced PGMs.
By converting U.S. catalytic converters into high‑value metals, Lifezone aligns with the U.S. government’s critical‑minerals strategy, which seeks to reduce dependence on imports from South Africa and Russia. The milestone strengthens the company’s supply‑chain narrative and could accelerate the development of a domestic recycling refinery that would provide a steady, low‑carbon source of PGMs for the growing electric‑vehicle market.
The PGM recycling initiative complements Lifezone’s flagship Kabanga Nickel Project in Tanzania, one of the world’s largest high‑grade nickel sulfide deposits. Diversifying into secondary metal production mitigates exposure to primary‑mining risks and enhances the company’s overall portfolio, offering investors a broader revenue base and a hedge against commodity price volatility.
Lifezone plans to move from pilot to commercial scale with a financial investment decision for the U.S. refinery expected in the second quarter of 2026. Glencore has invested $1.5 million for a 6 % stake and retains an option to fund 50 % of the project capital, underscoring confidence in the technology’s commercial potential.
"Achieving the first‑ever production of platinum, palladium, and rhodium metal samples from spent Autocats marks a historic milestone towards industrial implementation of Lifezone's Hydromet Technology," said CEO Chris Showalter. "The test work confirmed high recoveries (up to 99 % Pt & Pd and 95 % Rh) of these critical metals to platinum, palladium and rhodium metal products, using our technology," added Dr. Mike Adams, Chief Technology Officer.
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