Fastmarkets Voltas Awards 2025

Battery Supply Chain Excellence Awards

Judging Process

The portal for submissions is now open and will remain open until April 25th, 2025. During this time judges are contacted and briefed on the process and timing.

Once the portal is closed for submissions, award categories will be allocated to each judge, based on their expertise and category preferences. If the allocations cause conflict of interest, appropriate changes are made. The judges have 2-3 weeks to score their allocated award categories. They score the submissions on their own, with no interference or conferring and based on the criteria for each category listed below.

Once all the scores are added up, the shortlists are created based on a minimum score that needs to be attained to qualify. The top aggregate score per category is the winner. In cases of a tiebreaker, the Chair will conduct it by scoring the tied submissions. If the Chair has a conflict of interest, another judge is selected to break the tie. On the rare occasions where the tie cannot be broken, more than one winner may be named.

If a category does not receive the required about of submissions/meet the minimum score, the category will be dropped to ensure it stays fair and consistent.

The grading criteria can be seen on the nomination portal.

Awards categories

Category 1: Innovation of the year
Category 2: Best new project
Category 3: Leader of the year
Category 4: Outstanding contribution to recycling & reuse in battery materials
Category 5: Sustainability excellence
Category 6: Trailblazing woman of the year
Category 7: Excellence in mining

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Category descriptions

1. Innovation of the year

This award recognizes a company or individual driving groundbreaking advancements in materials extraction, refining, processing, recycling, cathode and anode development. It celebrates transformative solutions that enhance efficiency, sustainability, and technological progress in the industry.

Judging criteria

Entries will be evaluated based on the following key criteria:
- • Innovation & Uniqueness – Demonstration of a truly groundbreaking advancement in materials extraction, refining, processing, recycling, or cathode and anode development. Judges will assess the originality and ingenuity of the innovation.
- • Technological Advancement – The extent to which the innovation enhances current industry practices, introduces new capabilities, or significantly improves existing processes.
- • Sustainability Impact – Contribution to environmental sustainability, including efficiency improvements, waste reduction, energy savings, or circular economy initiatives.
- • Commercial Viability & Implementation – Evidence of successful implementation, scalability, and potential for widespread industry adoption. Consideration will be given to market impact and economic benefits.
- • Industry Contribution & Future Potential – The innovation’s ability to shape the future of the sector, set new benchmarks, and drive long-term progress within the industry.

2. Best new project

This award recognizes a groundbreaking new project in the fields of mining, refining, or recycling that has demonstrated exceptional innovation, impact, and potential. It celebrates a project’s ability to drive progress, enhance efficiency, or introduce transformative solutions, with measurable outcomes, long-term benefits, and the potential to scale within the industry or beyond.

Judging criteria

Entries will be evaluated based on the following key criteria:
- • Project Overview – A clear and concise description of the project, including its goals, objectives, and scope within the mining, refining, or recycling sectors.
- • Innovation & Uniqueness – The originality of the project, showcasing creative solutions or new approaches that set it apart within the mining, refining, or recycling sectors.
- • Impact – Measurable outcomes, such as increased efficiency, cost savings, or environmental benefits, demonstrating the project’s positive influence on the industry or community.
- • Scalability & Potential for Growth – The ability of the project to scale and expand, with potential for widespread adoption, long-term sustainability, or application across multiple regions or markets.
- • Feasibility & Implementation – The practicality of the project, including its successful execution, technical viability, and the capacity to meet objectives within the proposed timelines and budgets.

3. Leader of the Year

This award honours an outstanding CEO who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision, and strategic impact within the industry. It recognizes a leader who has driven business growth, fostered innovation, and navigated challenges while making significant contributions to their company, stakeholders, and the broader sector.

Judging criteria

Entries will be evaluated based on the following key criteria:
- • Leadership & Vision – Demonstrated ability to set and execute a clear strategic vision, inspire teams, and drive organizational success.
- • Business Growth & Performance – Measurable achievements in revenue growth, market expansion, operational excellence, or financial stability under the CEO’s leadership.
- • Innovation & Industry Impact – Commitment to innovation, technological advancements, and contributions that have positively influenced the industry.
- • Sustainability & ESG Commitment – Efforts to integrate sustainability, ethical business practices, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives into corporate strategy.
- • Employee & Stakeholder Engagement – Success in fostering a strong corporate culture, talent development, and maintaining positive relationships with employees, investors, and industry partners.
- • Resilience & Adaptability – Ability to navigate challenges, manage risks, and lead the company through industry shifts or economic uncertainties.

4. Outstanding contribution to recycling & reuse in battery materials

This award recognizes a company or individual making a significant impact in advancing battery material recycling and reuse. It celebrates innovations, technologies, and strategies that enhance sustainability, improve resource efficiency, and support the circular economy within the battery industry.

Judging criteria

Entries will be evaluated based on the following key criteria:
- • Innovation in Recycling & Reuse – Development or implementation of cutting-edge technologies, processes, or strategies that improve battery material recovery and reuse efficiency.
- • Sustainability Impact – Contribution to reducing waste, lowering carbon footprint, and promoting circular economy principles within the battery industry.
- • Scalability & Industry Adoption – Potential for widespread application and long-term impact, including commercial viability and integration into existing supply chains.
- • Efficiency & Performance Improvements – Measurable enhancements in material recovery rates, energy efficiency, or cost-effectiveness compared to traditional recycling methods.
- • Regulatory & Environmental Compliance – Alignment with industry regulations, safety standards, and environmental best practices to ensure responsible recycling and reuse.

5. Trailblazing woman of the year

This award celebrates an exceptional female leader who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, vision, and impact within her industry. It recognizes achievements in driving innovation, fostering diversity, and inspiring others while making significant contributions to her organization and community.

Judging criteria

Entries will be evaluated based on the following key criteria:
- • Leadership & Vision – Demonstrated ability to inspire, lead teams, and drive strategic goals that contribute to organizational success and growth.
- • Results & Achievements – Tangible outcomes driven by the leader’s decisions, including significant growth, operational improvements, or impactful innovations that have directly benefited the organization.
- • Empowerment & Mentorship – Efforts to foster equity, and inclusion, including mentoring and empowering other women and underrepresented groups in the workplace.
- • Resilience & Adaptability – Ability to navigate challenges, overcome obstacles, and lead with determination and adaptability in dynamic environments.

6. Sustainability Excellence

This award recognizes a company or individual demonstrating outstanding commitment to sustainability through innovative practices, responsible resource management, and impactful environmental stewardship. It celebrates efforts to reduce environmental footprints, promote social responsibility, and contribute to long-term ecological and economic sustainability.

Judging criteria

Entries will be evaluated based on the following key criteria:
- • Environmental Impact – Measurable reductions in environmental footprint, including efforts to reduce waste, lower carbon emissions, and conserve resources through sustainable practices.
- • Innovation in Sustainability – Development or implementation of innovative solutions or technologies that advance environmental sustainability and promote resource efficiency.
- • Commitment to Long-Term Sustainability – Proven dedication to sustainability goals, with strategies that ensure lasting environmental, social, and economic benefits for future generations.
- • Social Responsibility & Stakeholder Engagement – Active efforts to address social and community issues, engage stakeholders, and promote transparency in sustainability initiatives.
- • Industry Leadership & Advocacy – Demonstrated leadership in setting industry standards for sustainability, influencing policy, and advocating for environmentally responsible practices within and beyond the organization.

7. Excellence in Mining

This award recognizes a company that has demonstrated outstanding achievement in the mining and extraction of critical raw materials. It celebrates innovations and practices that improve efficiency, sustainability, and safety in mining operations while meeting the growing demand for critical materials in the energy transition.

Judging criteria

Entries will be evaluated based on the following key criteria:
- • Innovation & Technological Advancement – The introduction of new technologies, processes, or methods that enhance the efficiency, safety, or environmental impact.
- • Sustainability & Environmental Impact – Efforts to reduce environmental footprints, including water and energy use, emissions, waste management, and reclamation practices.
- • Operational Efficiency & Productivity – Achievements in improving operational efficiency, reducing costs, or increasing production output without compromising quality or environmental responsibility.
- • Safety & Risk Management – Strong safety practices, risk mitigation strategies, and efforts to protect workers and communities involved in mining and extraction operations.
- • Market Leadership & Industry Contribution – Demonstrated leadership in advancing the mining sector, contributing to the broader goals of the lithium and battery raw materials supply chain, and supporting global energy transition initiatives.

Submit your nomination here!

Meet the judging panel