800,000 Electric Batteries: Mauritius Initiates Comprehensive Recycling Strategy

In a move towards sustainable practices, Ritish Ramful, Mauritius’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, joined representatives from the European Union and the International Trade Centre at a workshop focused on “Climate Competitiveness” held at the Labourdonnais Waterfront Hotel in Port-Louis. This gathering marks a pivotal moment for the nation as electric vehicles (EVs) begin to carve a significant presence in Mauritius, thanks largely to their environmental advantage of producing zero emissions.

However, the lithium-ion batteries that power these vehicles come with a crucial caveat: they have a limited lifespan and will necessitate recycling at the end of their usage.

While lead-acid batteries have already reached commendable recycling levels in Mauritius, the country is yet to establish an adequate recycling system for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), which are increasingly prevalent in the automotive landscape.

The Mauritian government is bracing for a marked surge in the volume of these batteries in waste streams over the next decade, the urgency for a robust recycling strategy becomes ever more pressing.

The workshop aimed to launch a pilot project designed to bolster this necessary initiative on the island.

Minister Ramful highlighted that as electric vehicles gain momentum, the demand and production of batteries will correspondingly rise, amplifying the need for critical minerals.

Compounding the issue is the looming end-of-life phase of the first wave of electric vehicle batteries, presenting an opportunity for their repurposing in second-life projects.

Given that the extraction of these essential minerals poses significant environmental risks and that these resources are finite, recycling emerges as an indispensable solution for conserving natural resources while nurturing the circular economy.

“We must brace ourselves for the forthcoming tide of lithium-ion battery waste. Neglecting to manage this waste responsibly could lead to grave environmental hazards, such as soil and water contamination, and the release of toxic substances. It is imperative that we adopt a sustainable approach to waste management,” remarked Minister Ramful, as Mauritius forges ahead with renewable energy and electric mobility.

The minister also unveiled startling statistics: by 2027, it is projected that 800,000 tonnes of end-of-life electric vehicle batteries will be generated worldwide.

In Africa alone, approximately three megatonnes of electronic waste are produced annually, yet a mere 20% is recycled.

This includes lithium-ion batteries, where recycling not only recoups valuable materials but also mitigates energy storage costs.

Africa is confronting a series of formidable challenges in becoming a key player in battery recycling, primarily due to limited waste management systems.

Minister Ramful emphasised the critical need for a strategic plan to manage battery recycling effectively, to lessen environmental impacts and attract further investments.

Turning to Mauritius, the minister outlined that as a small island developing state, the nation struggles to achieve economies of scale in battery recycling and reuse.

However, regional collaboration could be the key to overcoming these hurdles and enhancing circularity efforts.

Yet, he cautioned that such cooperation faces trade-related challenges, especially as customs classify end-of-life batteries as hazardous waste, complicating the reverse supply chain.

This workshop is part of the Climate Competitiveness project, financially supported by the European Union, the International Trade Centre (ITC), and the Mauritian government.

During the event, ITC presented findings on how trade policies can facilitate the management of lithium-ion battery waste in Mauritius.

Ultimately, the ITC and the government will release a report post-workshop, detailing strategic recommendations to bolster the implementation of the Circular Economy Action Plan specifically for lithium-ion battery waste management.

The future of the nation’s commitment to sustainability hinges on navigating these challenges with foresight and innovative solutions.

Source: l’Express