November 29, 2023: Glencore has declined to comment on reports that it is looking to build a pilot EV battery recycling plant outside of Italy.

 The move could support the eventual commissioning of a proposed joint lithium ion battery recycling project at its Portovesme site (pictured) in Sardinia with Canada’s Li-Cycle — which has been held up over a spat with the regional government, Reuters reported on November 23.

Glencore and Li-Cycle are understood to have dropped plans to set up a demonstration plant to produce lithium and other materials from black mass at Portovesme after the island’s regional government refused to fast-track an environmental impact assessment for it.

Glencore did not respond to a request for comment from Batteries International about its plans — and continues to dodge questions about the future of its existing lead and zinc processing facility at Portovesme.