Indonesia’s meteoric rise as the world’s leading nickel producer has significantly disrupted the global nickel market, initially expected to thrive amidst the electric vehicle (EV) boom. However, a slowdown in EV sales and an oversupply of nickel have led to a drastic price drop, challenging both producers and consumers in the industry. In just a few years, Indonesia’s nickel production...
Battery news
Umicore Partners with Volkswagen for Electric Battery Components Factory in Spain
Belgium-based materials technology giant, Umicore, is set to expand its investment in South Korea with the introduction of a new production line for high lithium manganese (HLM) cathode materials at its Cheonan plant. Expected to kick off mass production by 2026, the initiative underlines Umicore’s commitment to advancing next-generation cathode materials for electric vehicles (EVs). HLM cathode material, recognized for...
Ecopro Sets Sights on Secondary Battery Market with 1.2 Trillion Won Investment
Ecopro is channeling approximately 1.2 trillion won into its domestic ventures this year, centering on the Pohang Campus, in a bold move to enhance its presence in the secondary battery ecosystem. The investment breakdown includes 690 billion won dedicated to expanding its precursor factory, 320 billion won allocated for the growth of both cathode material and lithium hydroxide factories, and...
HC Starck Tungsten Seeks Patent for Innovative Battery Recycling Process
HC Starck Tungsten, based in Germany, has applied for a patent concerning a novel method for recycling battery materials through hydrometallurgical treatment. The application, filed on December 15, 2023, involves a process specifically designed for lithium ion and polymer batteries, aiming to efficiently recover valuable materials. This application is attributed to inventors Meese-Marktscheffel Juliane, Olbrich Armin, Wolff Alexander, Zeugner Alexander,...
Thailand Welcomes Chinese Battery Giant SVOLT to Boost EV Hub Ambitions
Thailand is making strategic moves to position itself as a leading hub for electric vehicle (EV) batteries in Southeast Asia, courting Chinese battery manufacturers like SVOLT. The country’s latest endeavor involves discussions between Thailand’s Industry Minister, Pimpattra Wichaikul, and executives from Banpu Public Company Limited and S.V. Energy Technology (Thailand) Company Limited, an affiliate of SVOLT. The talks highlighted SVOLT’s...
Rio Tinto CEO Predicts Rising Lithium Demand Amid EV Battery Boom
Jacob Staushorn, CEO of Rio Tinto, anticipates a significant increase in lithium demand driven by the electric vehicle (EV) battery sector. Despite recent volatility in lithium prices, which have plummeted by over 80% due to slowed EV demand, Staushorn remains optimistic about the future of lithium. In a conversation with Reuters at an annual mining conference in Toronto, he emphasized...
Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines: Potential Powerhouses in Battery Supply Chain
The CEO of Philippine energy firm ACEN has proposed a strategic collaboration between Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines to establish a regional battery supply chain. Speaking at an Australia-ASEAN summit in Melbourne, Eric Francia highlighted the current concentration of lithium battery production in China, which accounts for over 70% of global output. He emphasized the potential for Australia, the world’s...
Lithium Market: Signs of a Turnaround Amid EV Expansion
In the realm of green-energy critical minerals, lithium, a key component in electric vehicle (EV) batteries, is witnessing a notable uptick in its market dynamics. Amid the global push towards electrification and cleaner energy alternatives, the Australian lithium market, along with its international counterparts, appears poised for a rebound. Recent data from the Lithium Price Bot indicates a promising 0.93%...
International Battery Metals Completes Initial Private Placement Financing
International Battery Metals (IBAT) has successfully finalized its initial private placement financing, a significant step forward for the company. On February 29, 2024, IBAT announced the closure of its initial private placement with EV Metals VI, raising USD$2 million through the issuance of 2,702,400 units at C$1.00 each. This financing initiative is part of IBAT’s strategy to fund its modular...
Li-Metal Corp Advances Lithium Battery Technology with New Patent Filing
Li-Metal Corp, a Canadian company specializing in innovative battery technology, has recently filed a patent application for a novel process for producing refined lithium metal, signaling a significant advancement in the development of lithium batteries. The patent, filed on July 19, 2023, under application number 202317048646 A, outlines a process designed to enhance the purity of lithium metal, a critical...