Marula Mining to set up lithium-ion battery recycling plant in Kenya

KENYA — UK-listed Marula Mining PLC has announced plans to establish a lithium-ion battery recycling and critical metals processing facility in Kenya through a partnership with Nairobi-based electronic waste management firm WEEE Centre.

Under the agreement, Marula will invest €500,000 (KES 70 million) in the early development of the project through its local subsidiary, Marula Metals Processing Limited. The project will be operated via a special purpose vehicle (SPV) managed by WEEE Centre.

The facility will target the recovery of valuable battery materials such as lithium, cobalt, manganese, and nickel from end-of-life lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), with plans to develop a black mass extraction line and environmentally compliant processes using tested, LIB-safe technologies.

“This agreement enables us to participate in delivering sustainable, scalable recycling infrastructure for critical materials in Kenya,” said Marula CEO Jason Brewer.

“It also reinforces our commitment to value creation, industrial growth, and supporting the country’s green transition.”

Founded in 2012, WEEE Centre is a licensed social enterprise operating in 18 African countries. It has built a strong reputation for promoting responsible e-waste management, creating jobs for youth, and advancing the circular economy.

The collaboration follows the Centre’s submission of a concept note to Marula highlighting lithium battery waste as a critical challenge and opportunity in Kenya’s e-mobility and renewable energy push.

Bonnie Mbithi, CEO of WEEE Centre, said, “This project not only tackles a growing environmental challenge but builds local capacity, creates green jobs, and positions Kenya as a regional leader in responsible battery recycling and resource recovery.”

Spent batteries will be sourced from households, telecom companies, solar firms, and other e-waste aggregators across Kenya.

A joint monitoring and evaluation framework will be developed to ensure transparent deployment of funds and alignment with social and environmental impact goals.

Beyond reducing toxic waste and pollution, the initiative is expected to unlock economic opportunities by boosting local manufacturing, attracting further investment, and reducing Kenya’s dependence on imported battery materials.

If successful, the plant could become a model for sustainable battery recycling across Africa—supporting the continent’s shift to renewable energy, e-mobility, and circular resource management.

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