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Investing.com -- Aqua Metals, Inc. (NASDAQ:AQMS) stock soared 20% after the sustainable battery metals recycling company announced a multi-year Material Supply Agreement (MSA) with 6K Energy, a U.S.-based producer of advanced cathode active materials.
The agreement establishes a framework for Aqua Metals to supply battery-grade nickel metal and lithium carbonate produced using its proprietary AquaRefining process. The initial three-year deal could represent tens of millions of dollars in annual battery-materials value, subject to qualification, market conditions, and scale-up.
Under the terms, 6K Energy will have the option to purchase Aqua Metals’ production at prices based on current London Metal Exchange trading prices. The agreement anticipates both companies completing their respective facility expansions to support the partnership.
"This agreement represents an important step in Aqua Metals’ transition from technology validation to customer-aligned commercialization," said Steve Cotton, President and CEO of Aqua Metals. "By establishing a supply framework with a U.S.-based cathode manufacturer, we are aligning our battery-grade nickel and lithium products with downstream manufacturing requirements and building a clear pathway toward commercial integration."
The companies highlighted that materials supplied under the agreement are expected to meet Foreign Entity of Concern compliance requirements, supporting efforts to build secure domestic battery materials infrastructure.
Aqua Metals’ AquaRefining technology reportedly achieves a 98% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to standard hydrometallurgical processes while delivering approximately $1,100 per metric ton in cost savings. The system operates without hydrogen peroxide or sodium hydroxide and produces zero sodium sulfate waste.
The MSA also includes potential for future collaboration, including evaluation of tolling arrangements for lithium-ion battery black mass, supporting Aqua Metals’ strategy to develop a feedstock-agnostic refining platform.
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