Primobius becomes wholly owned subsidiary of SMS group

SMS group has acquired the remaining 50 percent stake in Primobius GmbH from Australian partner Neometals, making the battery recycling specialist a wholly owned subsidiary. The transaction, completed on 12 September 2025, marks a strategic milestone in SMS group’s long-term commitment to industrial-scale, sustainable lithium-ion battery recycling.

Primobius will remain a legally independent entity within SMS group, managing its operations autonomously while gaining expanded access to the group’s global engineering resources and commercial network.

Founded as a joint venture between SMS group and Neometals, Primobius offers fully integrated solutions for lithium-ion battery recycling — from discharging and dismantling to shredding, material separation, and hydrometallurgical refining. Its multi-stage process enables the recovery of critical battery materials at high purity levels while minimising environmental impact.

“With the full acquisition of Primobius, we are strengthening our group-wide capabilities in sustainable battery recycling and sending a clear message about our long-term commitment to this growth market,” said Thomas Hansmann, CTO of SMS group. “We are reinforcing Primobius’ market position and supporting the company as it deploys its industrial-scale recycling plants worldwide.”

While Neometals has exited the joint venture, it will continue to support the technology through a long-term service agreement, ensuring continuity in joint development and innovation.

Michel Siemon, CEO of Primobius, commented: “Together with our shareholders, we have developed a battery recycling solution that already sets international benchmarks. Our close collaboration with Neometals has been instrumental in achieving this and will continue under our long-term service agreement. We are proud to provide our customers with battery recycling plants that recover critical raw materials in high purity, maintain valuable resources in the loop, and make a measurable contribution to the sustainability of the industry.”

Source and Photo: SMS Group