First launched in Macau 14 years ago, the conference has developed into an important platform for discussion and knowledge-sharing within the lead battery recycling and smelting industries. In recent years, the lithium-ion battery recycling sector has been expanding rapidly, and many traditional lead recyclers are working to acquire new technologies and broaden their business domains.

This year’s conference went beyond lead batteries, addressing multiple battery chemistries, including lithium-ion, while exploring market trends and technical challenges. 

 

Experts from around the world gathered to share the latest insights on resource recovery, processing, and environmental sustainability. The conference was scheduled just ahead of the 21st Asian Battery Conference and Exhibition (ABC21), also held in Kota Kinabalu, making it a key information and networking opportunity for industry stakeholders. 

MIRU participated as a media partner and will also be joining the Asian Battery Conference and Exhibition.

Sabah’s Traditional Dance in the Opening Ceremony

The event opened with a performance of Sabah’s traditional dance, warmly welcoming participants from around the world.

 

Mark Stevenson Stresses the Industry’s Essential Role

The first opening address was delivered by Mark Stevenson (photo above), Technical Director of Global Lead Technologies and organizer of the conference.

 

Stevenson acknowledged that the lead recycling industry is often viewed critically as merely a “waste-handling sector.” However, he emphasized that it actually employs advanced metallurgical technologies and plays a vital role in global resource circulation.  

 

He highlighted that more than 60% of global lead demand is supplied by recycling, making it more significant than copper, nickel, or zinc industries in terms of resource contribution. He stressed the importance of this gathering as a rare opportunity for recyclers and battery producers to share perspectives and pointed out that collaboration across different stakeholders is crucial for industry development. 

 

Stevenson further noted that despite the rise of electric vehicles and evolving regulations in emerging markets, lead battery demand will remain steady. He urged continued pursuit of sustainable solutions and concluded by calling for greater recognition of the sector as a “sustainable resource industry” rather than just a scrap business.

 

Huw Roberts Highlights New Opportunities

Following Stevenson, Huw Roberts (photo above), Director of CHR Metals Limited, delivered his remarks. He discussed the future of the lead industry in terms of market outlook and technology, while underlining the growing importance of lithium batteries and energy storage applications. Roberts emphasized the significance of alternative markets beyond lead and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to bring technologies developed in Europe since 2017 into Asia. 

 

He noted that the conference serves to strengthen networks between the recycling and battery industries, and expressed his admiration for Stevenson’s contributions in bringing the event to life.

 

L. Pugazhenthy Concludes with a Global Perspective  

The opening ceremony concluded with remarks from L. Pugazhenthy (photo above), a veteran leader of India’s lead industry and a distinguished representative of the India Lead Zinc Development Association (ILZDA). Pugazhenthy emphasized that the conference provides an ideal platform to learn about lead-related technologies, talent, and markets—topics that, while often discussed with a European focus, are in fact globally relevant.  

 

He also noted that the exhibition is a major source of business opportunities, and highlighted upcoming sessions by experts from organizations such as ALBA and Recycle100. He shared practical announcements regarding the dinner event and transportation, while encouraging participants to show respect for the presenters.

 

During the conference, Mr. Tanamachi (center photo), IRuniverse CEO, enjoyed a warm reunion with Pugazhenthy (left photo), reflecting the long-standing personal connections fostered within the industry.

 

Dr. Dong Li (right photo) kindly offered his words of congratulations to the author (left photo) on her birthday

The detailed reports of the two-day presentations will be shared in the coming days.

Related articles