Marula Mining and WEEE Centre Join Forces on Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling Project in Kenya

Marula Mining PLC has entered into a formal collaboration with WEEE Centre Limited to advance a lithium-ion battery recycling and critical metals recovery project in Kenya, according to a company announcement. The initiative marks a significant step toward sustainable resource development and circular economy growth across Africa.

Under the agreement, Marula’s wholly owned subsidiary, Marula Metals Processing Limited, will invest €500,000 to support the early development of a facility dedicated to extracting “black mass” from end-of-life lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The project aims to recover valuable materials including lithium, cobalt, manganese, and nickel, while reducing environmental pollution linked to e-waste.

The facility will be managed by a special purpose vehicle (SPV) operated by WEEE Centre, which has been working in e-waste management since 2012. The Centre engages youth and communities in recycling chains across 18 African countries, creating green jobs while promoting responsible waste management.

Jason Brewer, CEO of Marula Mining, stated: “This agreement enables us to participate in delivering sustainable, scalable recycling infrastructure for LIBs and critical materials in Kenya.”

Bonnie Mbithi, CEO of WEEE Centre, added: “We are thrilled to be advancing a bold new project with Marula Metals to develop a scalable, sustainable solution for extracting black mass from end-of-life Lithium-Ion batteries in Kenya.”

The deal comes as Africa faces a rapid increase in lithium-ion battery usage, driven by renewable energy adoption, telecom expansion, and the growth of e-mobility solutions. However, the continent also faces rising e-waste volumes. By establishing a domestic recycling hub, Kenya could strengthen its role as a regional leader in responsible battery processing, align with global supply chain sustainability demands, and reduce dependence on imported raw materials.

With international markets increasingly prioritizing ESG-compliant supply chains, this project may help position Kenya as a key supplier of responsibly sourced battery materials.

Source: Marula Mining