Valuable metals (Li and NMC) from the smallest size fraction of sieved BM and the metal-rich underflow (tailings) produced from the froth flotation can now be recycled more efficiently because of the enhanced surface area and the removal of graphite, respectively. It is reported that the phase of Li and NMC metals has a significant effect on the leachability of these metals. Our results show that XRD analysis (Fig. ), coupled with the metal composition results (Table ), is vital to determine the exact crystalline phase of NMC and the effect of the pre-treatment methods. For instance, pyrolysis of BM under certain conditions causes a reduction of Li[NixMnyCoz]O2 and results in the formation of highly water-soluble phases of Li (e.g., Li2CO3). The pyrolysis process also reduces Li[NixMnyCoz]O2 into single Ni, Mn, and Co oxides. SEM/EDS is an excellent complementary technique to XRD as it can determine particle morphology, phase composition, and surface depositions, as shown in Fig. .