Nth Cycle Pioneers Critical Metals Refining in the U.S. with Innovative Technology

In a significant advancement for the U.S. metals industry, Nth Cycle is set to revolutionize the domestic refining of critical metals, a sector historically dominated by international players. Co-founded by Desirée Plata, an Associate Professor at MIT, along with CEO Megan O’Connor and Chief Scientist Chad Vecitis, the company has developed a unique refining process utilizing a patented technology known as electro-extraction. This innovative approach aims to recover essential metals such as nickel and cobalt from industrial waste and ores, particularly focusing on the recycling of battery materials.

Nth Cycle's first operational facility is located in Fairfield, Ohio, where it has begun producing nickel and cobalt from battery scrap. This modular refining system, named “The Oyster,” diverges from traditional large-scale refineries by employing electricity, chemical precipitation, and filtration, thereby minimizing waste and reducing the time to market for these critical materials. The Oyster can process over 3,000 metric tons of scrap annually, and is designed to be co-located with recyclers and manufacturers, significantly improving the efficiency of the refining process.

The significance of Nth Cycle's work cannot be overstated. According to Megan O’Connor, “About 85 percent of the world’s critical minerals are refined in China, so it’s an economic and national security issue for us.” This observation underscores the urgent need for the United States to establish a sustainable and independent supply chain for critical metals. The company’s efforts are crucial not only for economic resilience but also for the transition to renewable energy technologies, which heavily rely on these materials.

Historically, the U.S. has faced challenges in domestic metal refining, similar to its past oil dependency that led to crises in the 1970s. However, advancements in technology, particularly in the realm of fracking, have transformed the country from a major oil importer to a leading exporter. Nth Cycle's approach represents a potential breakthrough in securing domestic supplies of metals necessary for everything from electric vehicles to defense systems.

The company’s journey began in 2014 when O’Connor and Plata attended a lecture by Vecitis, who highlighted the potential of using electrochemical filters to purify metal contaminants. This sparked a collaboration that shifted its focus toward metal recovery from electronic waste, a sector that generates substantial scrap material. Conventional refining methods are often energy-intensive and environmentally damaging, relying on hazardous chemicals and extensive transportation of materials. Nth Cycle’s technology seeks to address these issues by offering a cleaner and more localized alternative.

The U.S. Department of Energy has recognized the potential of Nth Cycle’s innovations, providing early support that helped propel the company’s development. Furthermore, the company's integration into MIT's Industrial Liaison Program and its STEX25 startup accelerator has fostered an entrepreneurial environment essential for its growth.

Looking forward, Nth Cycle aims to expand its modular systems across the U.S. and Europe, fostering new supply chains for critical minerals. The company’s business model, described as ‘refining as a service,’ allows customers to retain ownership of the final products, thereby incentivizing partnerships with scrap yards and industrial facilities.

As O’Connor aptly states, “The world needs more critical minerals like cobalt, nickel, lithium, and copper. The only two places you can get those materials are from recycling and mining, and both of those sources need to be chemically refined.” As Nth Cycle continues to innovate and scale its operations, it may very well redefine the landscape of metal refining, positioning the U.S. as a leader in critical mineral production while addressing pressing environmental concerns.