Blue Whale Materials LLC

Blue Whale Materials LLC is a sustainable technology company specializing in lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery recycling and critical mineral reclamation. Founded in 2015 by Robert Kang, David Fauvre, and Minjae "Justin" Oh, the company is headquartered in Washington, D.C. Blue Whale Materials focuses on developing advanced recycling solutions to recover valuable materials like cobalt, nickel, and lithium, supporting the electrified economy and promoting a circular battery supply chain. The company has been recognized as one of America's Top GreenTech Companies of 2024 by TIME Magazine and Statista.

Business/Product Breakdown: 

Blue Whale Materials LLC provides a suite of services centered on Li-ion battery recycling, testing, and logistics to address the growing demand for sustainable battery material sourcing. Its proprietary Blacksand technology processes end-of-life consumer batteries, electric vehicle (EV) batteries, and production scrap into a high-purity, dry mixed-metal product containing cobalt, nickel, lithium, and manganese, optimized for hydrometallurgical refining. This dry process removes organics and impurities, reducing wastewater compared to traditional wet methods, and produces separate copper and aluminum products. The company's inaugural commercial facility in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, spanning 150,000 square feet on a 35-acre campus, is set to commence operations in early 2025, processing batteries and scrap with existing feedstock and offtake contracts. Through its subsidiary, BW Energy & Innovation, located in Greenfield, Indiana, Blue Whale offers comprehensive battery testing and evaluation services, including performance, abuse, and safety testing across various chemistries (e.g., lithium-ion, lead-acid) using over 700 test channels and ISO/IEC 17025-accredited labs. The company also provides collection and logistics solutions through strategic alliances, ensuring safe handling and transport of end-of-life batteries. Products and services are marketed to battery manufacturers and energy sector clients, emphasizing ethical sourcing and environmental responsibility.