400,000 Tons! The Largest Waste Lithium Battery Recycling Project in Northern China to Begin Operations
In Changshan Town, Zouping City, Shandong Zhuo’ao Lithium Technology Co., Ltd. is leading a green revolution in waste lithium battery processing through its comprehensive recycling and green manufacturing project for cathode materials from new energy vehicle batteries. This initiative highlights Zouping’s ambitions in the new energy sector and injects fresh momentum into the local economy.
The project, designed to process 400,000 tons of lithium batteries, involves a total investment of 2.84 billion RMB and is expected to generate an annual output value of 10.5 billion RMB, with profits and taxes amounting to 1.5 billion RMB. It will also create over 400 jobs. Once completed, it will become the largest lithium battery recycling facility in northern China, playing a critical role in advancing the sustainable development of the NEV industry.
The project is divided into two phases. In the first phase, Zhuoao Lithium has leased standard factory buildings in the Aluminum Industrial Park and installed three production lines. The first phase has been successfully completed and is entering the trial operation stage. Meanwhile, the second phase is under construction and is scheduled for full completion by June 2025.
Liu Jinping, Deputy General Manager of Zhuoao Lithium, pointed out that while China's research on lithium-ion batteries primarily focuses on improving safety and lifespan, the recycling and reuse segment is significantly lagging. The project’s equipment and processes are independently developed, achieving a recycling efficiency of over 95%. “Next, we will extend the industrial chain into battery manufacturing. By using materials extracted from recycled lithium batteries to produce new batteries, we aim to realize true green recycling and establish the largest lithium battery recycling facility in northern China, making Zouping a new landmark in the lithium battery industry,” said Liu.
The project also holds significant environmental benefits. If improperly disposed of, the electrolyte in ternary lithium batteries and lithium iron phosphate batteries can seep into the soil, posing toxic risks to land, water, and nearby residents. Zhuoao Lithium’s recycling process ensures environmental safety through proprietary recovery channels.
Geng Baohua, Deputy Mayor of Changshan Town, emphasized the town's dedication to creating a business-friendly environment. By addressing enterprise needs promptly and coordinating solutions with relevant departments, the town has provided robust support for business growth. This year, 26 business initiatives—including credit support, qualification approvals, honorary titles, and market development—have been implemented, resulting in eight private enterprises securing 45 million RMB in technology loans to boost research, capacity, and expansion.
Changshan Town’s focus on attracting investments has fostered a dynamic business ecosystem, with over 7,500 market entities now operating. The development of Shandong Zhuoao Lithium's project is a vivid example of the town’s commitment to revitalizing the real economy and strengthening industrial support.
In terms of policy, Shandong Province’s Action Plan for High-Quality Development of the NEV Industry, issued at the end of last year, supports cities such as Jinan, Qingdao, Zaozhuang, Jining, and Linyi in developing NEV and power battery recycling industries to create green development demonstration bases.
Additionally, the Action Plan for High-Quality Development of the Lithium Battery Industry in Shandong Province, released in July this year, aims to establish a complete lithium battery recycling system by 2027, fostering a green, efficient, and intelligent lithium battery industry ecosystem.
