Process for the preparation of precursor compounds for lithium battery cathodes

A process for the preparation of a precursor compound for the synthesis of cathode material for rechargeable lithium batteries, comprising the steps of:

• reducing smelting of a metallurgical charge comprising spent rechargeable lithium batteries or their scrap containing Ni, Co, Al, Li, F, either one or both of Cu and Fe, and fluxing agents, thereby producing an alloy comprising the major part of the Ni, Co, and Cu, at least part of the Fe, and depleted in Al, Li and F;
• leaching the alloy in a mineral acid, thereby obtaining a Ni- and Co-bearing solution also containing either one or both of Cu and Fe;
• refining the Ni- and Co-bearing solution, by removing the therein contained Cu and Fe, thereby obtaining a purified Ni- and Co-bearing solution;
• and
• simultaneous precipitation of Ni and Co from the purified Ni- and Co-bearing solution as hydroxides or salts, by heat treatment, crystallization, or addition of hydroxide or carbonate, thereby obtaining a solid suitable for the synthesis of cathode material for rechargeable lithium batteries.