Meet the OYSTER™
Optimized hYdrolysis System Targeting Element Recovery
Our technology introduces a new twist to metals extraction in ways that out-compete incumbent processes – hands down. Our electro-extraction system provides high process intensity, uses inexpensive materials, and has exceptionally low energy requirements.
The OYSTER is the heart of our electro-extraction system. This electrochemically-modified filter press is able to precisely select for certain compounds as a function of different operating voltages – a process that we’ve surgically fine-tuned to enable high degrees of specificity. Once the target metals have been precipitated, we harvest the metal powder and dry to the desired specifications for our customers and the market.
What’s incredible is that this entire process happens within a box that’s just 900 sq. ft. in size – no bigger than just 3 shipping containers!
Install anywhere in less than 2,000 square feet.
Our system’s small footprint and modular design enables usage in remote locations, easy installation onsite to ensure compliance, and fast scale-up as demand increases. It removes the risks of transporting li-ion batteries and enables additional recovery and mineral upgrading at existing mine sites.
Electro-extraction can also tune to a variety of inputs, accepting a wide range of mine tailings, cathode materials, and other e-waste.
Electro-extraction technology.
At Nth Cycle, we’re taking a different approach to expanding the supply of critical minerals for the clean energy revolution. We leverage the power of electro-extraction: clean and modular technology for reliably recovering critical minerals from e-waste, low-grade ore, and mine tailings using electricity. See how the science behind the technology works yourself.
The status quo for metals processing—hydrometallurgy and pyrometallurgy—are inherently dirty and environmentally un-friendly technologies invented over 50 years ago. Pyrometallurgy requires energy-intensive furnaces that fill entire warehouses. Hydrometallurgy runs minerals through cycle upon cycle of harsh chemicals, creating massive amounts of chemical waste.
We use electricity (and a lot less of it).
Save the planet while
you save the planet.
Using very little electricity (which can be generated from 100% clean renewable power) electro-extraction reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 92% compared to current mining processes and 44% compared to current recycling processes. The technology’s closed-loop chemical process is truly circular. Our system’s small footprint also reduces the need for additional balance of system components and avoids needing new environmental permits.
Supply chain readiness
We’ve nailed down our supply chain strategy, using off-the-shelf components to build a product that innovatively combines electrowinning and precipitation processes. Our secret sauce is creating a novel solution that flexibly tunes voltages for metals extraction – all while integrating easily-accessible building blocks.
Our game plan for supply chain is simple, allowing us to focus on the nuances for delivering our solutions.
