{"id":963140,"date":"2026-05-14T16:39:55","date_gmt":"2026-05-14T20:39:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marketnewsdesk.com\/index.php\/aqua-metals-reports-first-quarter-2026-progress-on-commercialization-strategic-initiatives-and-expanded-platform-capabilities-across-critical-minerals-and-energy-storage-markets\/"},"modified":"2026-05-14T16:39:55","modified_gmt":"2026-05-14T20:39:55","slug":"aqua-metals-reports-first-quarter-2026-progress-on-commercialization-strategic-initiatives-and-expanded-platform-capabilities-across-critical-minerals-and-energy-storage-markets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marketnewsdesk.com\/index.php\/aqua-metals-reports-first-quarter-2026-progress-on-commercialization-strategic-initiatives-and-expanded-platform-capabilities-across-critical-minerals-and-energy-storage-markets\/","title":{"rendered":"Aqua Metals Reports First Quarter 2026 Progress on Commercialization, Strategic Initiatives, and Expanded Platform Capabilities Across Critical Minerals and Energy Storage Markets"},"content":{"rendered":"
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RENO, Nev., May 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Aqua Metals (NASDAQ: AQMS), a developer of sustainable battery recycling and critical minerals refining technology, today provided a first quarter 2026 update highlighting continued commercialization progress, strategic initiatives, and expansion of its AquaRefining\u2122 platform as demand for domestically sourced battery materials accelerates.<\/p>\n

\n Advancing Toward Commercial Deployment<\/strong>\n <\/p>\n

During the first quarter, Aqua Metals continued executing a structured path toward its first commercial lithium battery recycling facility, advancing site selection, engineering definition, and commercial engagement with prospective partners.<\/p>\n

The Company is actively evaluating a short list of U.S. locations with a focus on feedstock proximity, logistics infrastructure, strategic partners, and long-term operating cost advantages, and expects to identify a preferred site in the coming months. In parallel, Aqua Metals is progressing engineering work to further define plant configuration, operating parameters, and capital requirements, supporting future project financing and construction readiness.<\/p>\n

The Company\u2019s phased development approach remains focused on capital efficiency, prioritizing engineering, permitting, and commercial alignment ahead of larger-scale construction expenditures and project financing activities.<\/p>\n

Importantly, Aqua Metals enters this next commercialization phase from a position of resilience and strategic readiness. During the broader lithium market downturn and industry retrenchment of 2024 and 2025, the Company took disciplined actions to preserve cash, protect shareholder value, and continue advancing its core technology and operational capabilities, including continued operation of its Innovation Center and demonstration plant.<\/p>\n

With lithium market conditions and broader battery materials markets improving in 2026 alongside increasing domestic critical minerals supply chain priorities, Aqua Metals believes the market environment now supports renewed advancement toward commercial deployment. The Company believes its continued advancement of the AquaRefining\u2122 platform and commercialization pathway positions Aqua Metals among a limited group of U.S.-based battery materials innovators advancing toward commercial-scale deployment and domestic production capacity.<\/p>\n

“In the first quarter, our team continued to build on the momentum established throughout 2025, advancing key technical and commercial initiatives that further demonstrate the differentiated value of the AquaRefining\u2122 platform,” said Steve Cotton, President and CEO of Aqua Metals. “We are making meaningful progress across our commercialization roadmap, continuing to refine our product quality and process capabilities, and strengthen the strategic partnerships that extend our platform’s reach across the domestic battery materials supply chain. We remain confident in our path forward and in AquaRefining’s role as a critical enabler of a secure, low-carbon critical minerals supply chain here in the United States.”<\/p>\n

\n Strategic Initiatives and Near-Term Revenue Positioning<\/strong>\n <\/p>\n

Aqua Metals continues to pursue strategic initiatives designed to introduce nearer-term revenue streams and expand participation across the battery supply chain.<\/p>\n

The Company’s previously announced commercial partnerships remain active, including the multi-year supply agreement with 6K Energy, the non-binding LOI with Westwin Elements, and the MOUs with Impossible Metals, MOBY Robotics, and American Battery Factory.<\/p>\n

\n Update on Energy Storage Expansion Strategy<\/strong>\n <\/p>\n

As part of this effort, the Company provided an update on its previously announced non-binding term sheet to acquire Lion Energy.<\/p>\n

Following detailed due diligence, Aqua Metals has determined it will not proceed with the acquisition under the structure and terms outlined in the February 11, 2026 non-binding term sheet.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe continue to see long-term strategic value in integrating energy storage solutions with our domestic battery materials platform, but our discipline around capital structure and shareholder value remains paramount,\u201d said Cotton. \u201cBased on updated information developed through diligence, the previously contemplated transaction structure is no longer aligned with our objectives.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Company is actively evaluating alternative transaction structures that may enable a more capital-efficient approach to integrating selected energy storage assets.<\/p>\n

There can be no assurance that any alternative transaction or arrangement will be agreed to or consummated, or as to the timing, structure or terms of any such outcome.<\/p>\n

\n Innovation Center Driving Technical Validation and Expansion<\/strong>\n <\/p>\n

Aqua Metals\u2019 Innovation Center and demonstration plant continue to serve as the technical foundation for commercialization, achieving over 5,000 cumulative operating hours across extended multi-feedstock operating campaigns.<\/p>\n

During the quarter, the Company achieved several notable technical milestones:<\/p>\n