Biden-Backed Battery Firm Plunges After Pausing Construction

  • Li-Cycle to review scope and budget as project costs soar
  • Toronto company received $375 million US loan commitment

A worker sorts batteries at the Li-Cycle lithium-ion battery recycling facility in Kingston, Ontario. 

Photographer: Christinne Muschi/Bloomberg
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Li-Cycle Holdings Corp., which is set to receive significant backing from the Biden administration, saw its share price slashed nearly in half after announcing it would pause construction on a first-of-its-kind lithium-ion-battery recycling plant.

The Toronto company saidBloomberg Terminal it would halt work on its Rochester Hub pending completion of a strategic review, including scope and budget. Li-Cycle said it is facing escalating construction costs that exceed prior guidance and is working closely with the US Energy Department concerning its offer of a $375 million loan commitment.