Aqua Metals and 6K Energy Execute Multi-Year Supply Agreement to Support Domestic Battery Materials Commercialization

Multi-Year Supply Agreement with 6K Energy Marks Commercial Milestone for AquaRefining Technology and Domestic Battery Materials Strategy

RENO, Nev., Jan. 21, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aqua Metals, Inc. (NASDAQ: AQMS), a pioneer in sustainable battery metals recycling and refining, today announced the execution of a multi-year Material Supply Agreement (MSA) with 6K Energy, a leading U.S.-based producer of advanced cathode active materials (CAM). The agreement establishes a commercial framework for the future supply of battery-grade nickel metal and lithium carbonate produced using Aqua Metals’ proprietary AquaRefining process.

Under the agreement, Aqua Metals and 6K Energy will align on product specifications, qualification pathways, and index-based pricing mechanisms to support the use of recycled and refined critical battery materials in domestic cathode manufacturing. The MSA has an initial three-year term and is designed to support 6K Energy’s leading CAM production process as market demand is expected to accelerate later this decade. 6K will have the option to purchase AQMS’ production of battery-grade nickel metal and lithium carbonate at prices based on the then current London Metal Exchange trading prices. The agreement contemplates material volumes that could represent tens of millions of dollars in annual battery-materials value, subject to qualification, market conditions, and scale-up. The MSA is being entered into by the parties with the expectation that 6K will complete its proposed battery material production facility and Aqua Metals will complete an expanded recycling facility.

Aqua Metals' proprietary AquaRefining process delivers significant environmental and economic advantages over conventional battery recycling methods. The technology achieves a 98% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to standard hydrometallurgical processes while delivering approximately $1,100 per metric ton in cost savings. Unlike traditional methods, AquaRefining operates without hydrogen peroxide or sodium hydroxide, regenerates sulfuric acid for reuse, and produces zero sodium sulfate waste, creating a truly sustainable, closed-loop system.

“This agreement represents an important step in Aqua Metals’ transition from technology validation to customer-aligned commercialization,” said Steve Cotton, President and CEO of Aqua Metals. “By establishing a supply framework with a U.S.-based cathode manufacturer, we are aligning our battery-grade nickel and lithium products with downstream manufacturing requirements and building a clear pathway toward commercial integration.”