Hyundai Georgia battery plant delay: production unaffected

Hyundai Georgia

Hyundai Georgia battery plant delay extends construction by two to three months after a federal worksite raid. However, Hyundai says vehicle output remains unaffected across US plants. The Hyundai Georgia battery plant delay follows ICE and FBI detentions of 475 workers and halted site work. South Korea repatriated more than 300 nationals after the operation.

What changes for US EV supply chains

Hyundai Georgia battery plant delay does not disrupt near-term EV supply, thanks to diversified cell sourcing. Meanwhile, the De Soto site remains strategic for future capacity and logistics. As a result, Hyundai prioritizes contractor audits, workforce vetting, and timeline buffers to reduce ramp risk. The company also reiterates no change to current US vehicle manufacturing plans.

Policy scrutiny now shapes gigafactory execution as much as equipment delivery. Therefore, federal oversight and local training programs will influence schedule certainty. Former President Trump urged visas for experts to train US crews, highlighting a technical skills gap. Automakers will likely expand apprenticeships and partner colleges to accelerate battery workforce readiness.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Short delays rarely move EV output, but they expose weak links in labor compliance and specialty skills. Expect tighter contractor governance and earlier talent pipelines to become standard in US battery projects.

SK On LFP supply to North America advances with L&F partnership

SK On

SK On LFP supply to North America advances through a new pact with L&F. The agreement targets LFP cathode materials for the North American ESS market. SK On LFP supply to North America aligns with its localization strategy and plant build-out. The partners will finalize volume and tenor for a medium- to long-term deal.

Partnership scope, localization, and capacity

The alliance prioritizes localized LFP cathode supply for grid and data-center storage. SK On plans to repurpose lines to develop LFP battery production. It already operates two U.S. plants and is building four more. Total capacity is expected to exceed 180 GWh once fully online.

Market impact and midstream implications

Demand for LFP cells in North America is accelerating with AI data centers. Energy storage growth also supports faster LFP adoption and procurement. However, midstream capacity in the U.S. remains underdeveloped. It is unclear if cathode production will be domestic or imported.

The partnership strengthens resilience across a maturing U.S. battery chain. As a result, buyers gain another Tier-1 LFP source for ESS deployments. SK On LFP supply to North America should improve lead times and cost control. Meanwhile, policy incentives could favor deeper localization over imports.

The Metalnomist Commentary

This move tightens ESS supply optionality ahead of large data-center builds. The deciding factor will be U.S. cathode siting and qualification speed. Watch IRA eligibility, precursor sourcing, and long-term offtake structures.

Hunan lithium resource discovery lifts China’s LCE outlook

Hunan lithium

Revised deposit metrics and strategic context

The Hunan lithium resource discovery adds a 49mn-tonne lepidolite deposit in Linwu. Authorities estimate 1.31mn t lithium oxide, or 3.24mn t LCE. The ore also contains rubidium, tungsten, and tin. Therefore, the Hunan lithium resource discovery broadens China’s battery raw material base.

Revised national resources and project pipeline

China’s lithium resource estimate now stands at 16.5% of global resources. Revisions reflect new finds in Sichuan, Xinjiang, Qinghai, Jiangxi, Inner Mongolia, and Hunan. Meanwhile, officials still rank China second globally, behind Bolivia. As a result, the Hunan lithium resource discovery strengthens supply diversification across provinces.

Dazhong Mining investments and timeline

Inner Mongolia Dazhong Mining is building integrated mining and processing in Hunan. The 16bn-yuan plan includes ore, lithium carbonate, CAM, and battery plants. Phase one targets 10mn t per year ore and 20,000 t per year lithium carbonate in 2026. Additionally, Dazhong owns the Jiada spodumene asset in Sichuan with 1.48mn t LCE.

This discovery could influence lepidolite processing economics and domestic supply security. Granite-type lepidolite requires energy, reagents, and recovery optimization. However, co-products may offset costs and improve project viability. Therefore, downstream cathode producers could hedge against imported feedstock volatility.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Large lepidolite resources can reshape China’s midstream flexibility if recoveries scale competitively. Execution will hinge on beneficiation yields, reagent costs, and ESG standards. Watch Dazhong’s commissioning cadence and LCE conversion routes through 2026.

Indonesia-China EV battery joint venture to start output by 2026

PT AnekaTambang

Indonesia-China EV battery joint venture is set to start operations in 2026, marking a milestone in Southeast Asia’s battery industry. PT Aneka Tambang (Antam) and CATL are leading the $5.9bn project, which will significantly expand Indonesia’s role in global EV supply chains. The Indonesia-China EV battery joint venture aims for 15GWh capacity by 2028, supporting up to 300,000 EVs annually.

A $5.9bn integrated ecosystem for battery materials

The joint venture begins with a 6.9GWh capacity, expanding to 15GWh by 2028. Additionally, officials highlighted potential integration with solar panel battery storage, raising capacity to 40GWh. Most of the investment—around $4.7bn—will fund nickel smelters, mining, and precursor plants in North Maluku. Meanwhile, the battery cell project in West Java accounts for $1.2bn of the total budget.

Indonesia’s mineral advantage meets China’s battery expertise

Indonesia holds abundant nickel, cobalt, and manganese, essential for EV batteries, but lacks lithium and advanced technology. Therefore, Antam partnered with CATL to secure the expertise and technology required. By 2026, smelting and hydrometallurgy plants, alongside a nickel-cobalt-manganese precursor facility, are expected to strengthen Indonesia’s midstream value chain. This partnership underscores a growing alignment between Indonesia’s resource base and China’s global battery leadership.

Energy independence and EV market expansion

The Indonesia-China EV battery joint venture could supply batteries for 300,000 EVs annually, potentially reducing fuel imports by 300,000 kilolitres per year. President Prabowo stated that Indonesia could reach full energy self-sufficiency within five to seven years, provided battery production grows to 100GWh annually. As a result, Indonesia is positioning itself not just as a raw material supplier but as an integrated EV hub.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Indonesia’s partnership with CATL cements its role in the global EV battery supply chain. However, success depends on infrastructure, environmental safeguards, and balancing resource nationalism with foreign investment. If executed effectively, Indonesia could become a strategic alternative to China-dominated supply routes.

Dazhong Mining Expands Lithium Resources at Jiada Mine

Dazhong Mining

Lithium Resources at Jiada Mine Increase Significantly

Inner Mongolia Dazhong Mining has revised higher its lithium resource estimates at the Jiada spodumene mine in Sichuan. The mine’s reserves now total 1.4842mn t of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) with an average grade of 1.38pc lithium oxide. This upgrade raises Dazhong’s total lithium resources across its assets to 4.72mn t LCE. The company also operates the Jijiaoshan lithium mine in Hunan province, strengthening its domestic lithium footprint.

Dazhong’s Investment in Lithium Supply Chain Expansion

Dazhong is actively expanding into downstream lithium processing and battery production. The firm is building lithium carbonate and cathode active material production lines, alongside lithium-ion battery plants in Hunan, with an investment of 16bn yuan ($2.2bn). It also plans to develop a large-scale complex in Inner Mongolia with 40,000 t/yr lithium carbonate, 40,000 t/yr lithium salts, 250,000 t/yr lithium iron phosphate, 100,000 t/yr artificial graphite anode material, and 10 GWh/yr lithium-ion batteries. These projects highlight China’s ambition to dominate the entire lithium value chain.

Lithium Market Pressures Despite Long-Term Demand

The lithium market remains oversupplied, pushing prices to multi-year lows despite robust long-term demand forecasts. Chinese lithium carbonate prices are currently at Yn59,800-61,000/t ex-works, down 89pc from the November 2022 peak of Yn561,000-576,000/t. Rising supply from Chinese producers, including new capacity expansions like Dazhong’s, has weighed on spot prices. However, strong demand from electric vehicles, energy storage systems, and emerging battery technologies is expected to support recovery in the medium term.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Dazhong Mining’s resource upgrade and heavy downstream investments underline China’s strategy to secure leadership across the lithium supply chain. While today’s oversupply keeps prices depressed, structural demand from EVs and storage solutions suggests that projects like Jiada will be vital in balancing the global market in the next decade.

Zimbabwe to Ban Lithium Concentrate Exports from 2027

Zimbabwe lithium Mining

Government Push for Domestic Processing

Zimbabwe will impose a ban on lithium concentrate exports starting 1 January 2027, according to mines minister Winston Chitando. The policy follows a 2022 ban on raw ore exports and seeks to encourage investment in local processing facilities and battery material plants. Zimbabwe holds Africa’s largest lithium reserves, with Chinese firms already dominating its mining sector.

Two new plants, backed by Sinomine and Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt, are under construction and expected to begin operations in 2027. These facilities will produce lithium sulphate, a key intermediate that can be refined into battery-grade lithium hydroxide or lithium carbonate.

Chinese Investment and Global Market Implications

Chinese companies remain committed to Zimbabwe’s lithium sector despite lithium prices falling nearly 90% since 2022. This long-term strategy reflects Beijing’s broader effort to secure critical minerals for its electric vehicle and energy storage industries. The upcoming export ban will strengthen Zimbabwe’s role in global lithium supply chains by shifting the country toward value-added production.

Zimbabwe’s policy aligns with a growing African trend of restricting raw mineral exports to promote domestic industrialization. For instance, Gabon recently announced a manganese ore export ban from 2029, while Guinea, Mali, Tanzania, and the DRC have implemented similar measures for bauxite, gold, and cobalt.

Strategic Positioning in the Global Battery Market

By enforcing the lithium concentrate export ban, Zimbabwe is positioning itself as a future hub for processed battery materials rather than a raw material supplier. This policy could attract further downstream investment while also reshaping trade flows, especially for EV and renewable energy supply chains. However, success will depend on whether domestic refining capacity can keep pace with rising demand.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Zimbabwe’s lithium export ban signals a decisive shift toward resource nationalism and value-added production. For global supply chains, this move underscores Africa’s emerging role in shaping critical mineral strategies. Investors and downstream users must adapt to a future where raw materials are less available, but refined products become central to supply security.

Yuneng to Expand LFP and LMFP Cathode Capacity to Meet Battery Market Growth

Yuneng

$899 Million Investment Targets Higher Energy Density Materials

Hunan Yuneng, China’s largest lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathode active material producer, will significantly expand production capacity to serve surging demand in the lithium-ion battery sector. The company plans to raise 4.8bn yuan ($899mn) for a new project producing 320,000 t/yr of lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP), 75,000 t/yr of ultra-long cycle LFP, and 100,000 t/yr of iron phosphate feedstock.

The LMFP line, located in Anning, Yunnan province, will also be able to produce LFP. Yuneng expects construction to finish within four years. Meanwhile, the ultra-long cycle LFP and iron phosphate plants in Fuquan, Guizhou province, will be built within 12 months, strengthening the company’s diversified product portfolio.

Performance Advantages and Market Competition

LMFP cathodes provide higher energy density, longer driving ranges for EVs, better winter performance, and lower manufacturing costs than standard LFP. However, they have shorter life cycles and weaker charge-discharge capacity. Major players such as CATL, BYD, and Eve Energy are also investing in LMFP technology, intensifying competition in the high-performance cathode market.

Yuneng achieved 101% LFP capacity utilization in 2024, producing 735,462t—up 46% from 2023. Sales reached 710,565t, with 41% directed to the energy storage sector. LFP batteries continue to dominate China’s lithium-ion battery market, holding an 80% production share from January to April 2024, far exceeding the share of ternary chemistries such as NCA/NCM.

Strategic Outlook for Cathode Materials Expansion

By expanding LFP and LMFP output, Yuneng positions itself to capture additional market share as both EV adoption and energy storage demand accelerate. The cost advantage of LFP remains a key factor in China’s battery market dominance, while LMFP technology offers potential for premium applications once lifecycle limitations are addressed.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Yuneng’s investment demonstrates how Chinese cathode producers are racing to scale capacity in response to both domestic and global demand. While LFP will remain the dominant chemistry in China’s battery market, LMFP could emerge as a niche solution for applications requiring higher energy density—if manufacturers can resolve its durability challenges.

Ronbay Begins High-Nickel NCM Precursor Shipments from South Korea

Ronbay

Strategic Expansion into Global Supply Chains

Chinese battery material giant Ningbo Ronbay has started shipping ultra-high nickel NCM precursors from its Chungju, South Korea plant. The product contains a minimum of 90pc nickel and targets global battery makers. Current NCM precursor capacity totals 66,000 t/yr — 60,000 t/yr in China and 6,000 t/yr in South Korea.

South Korea’s extensive free trade agreements offer Ronbay significant advantages in bypassing rising trade barriers. The company expects these shipments to strengthen ties with clients in Japan, South Korea, Europe, the US, and Southeast Asia, especially amid the US Inflation Reduction Act and EU Critical Material Act.

Capacity Growth and Recycling Initiatives

Ronbay plans to expand South Korean NCM capacity to 26,000 t/yr and build a 20,000 t/yr plant in Indonesia by 2026. Competitors CNGR, Huayou Cobalt, and GEM are also investing in precursor facilities overseas to mitigate trade restrictions.

The company will launch a global battery recycling system in 2027, with plants in the US, Europe, Japan, and Southeast Asia. This network will process black powder from waste batteries into high-purity precursor materials, though capacity figures remain undisclosed.

Ronbay produced 137,351 t of CAM in 2024, up 34pc year-on-year. NCM accounted for around 120,000 t of sales, while LMFP was added to its portfolio in 2022 through the acquisition of Tianjin Skylandone. The firm targets 130,000–150,000 t of CAM production in 2025, and is building a 20,000 t/yr NCM plant in Poland, with the first phase due this year.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Ronbay’s move to produce high-nickel NCM precursors in South Korea is a calculated response to geopolitical trade pressures. By leveraging South Korea’s trade agreements and diversifying production locations, the firm is securing market access in key EV regions. This multi-pronged strategy — combining capacity expansion with recycling — positions Ronbay strongly in the global energy transition supply chain.

Gabon Manganese Export Ban Takes Effect in 2029

Gabon Manganese Mining

Gabon announced a complete Gabon manganese export ban on unrefined ore starting January 2029. The world's second-largest manganese producer aims to boost domestic processing and industrial capacity. This transformative Gabon manganese export ban follows similar African resource nationalism strategies.

Major Impact on Global Manganese Supply Chains

Gabon produces 4.6 million tonnes annually, representing 25% of global manganese output. China and the US face significant supply disruptions from this policy change. Meanwhile, the US imported 63% of its manganese from Gabon last year. The ban threatens established supply chains for steel and battery industries worldwide.

French mining giant Eramet, through subsidiary Comilog, dominates Gabon's manganese sector. The company operates existing downstream facilities producing silico-manganese and manganese metal. However, current utilization remains low with only 18,000 tonnes exported in 2024. Comilog employs over 3,300 people locally, making workforce considerations critical.

African Resource Nationalism Accelerates

Several African nations now restrict raw material exports to capture value domestically. Guinea banned bauxite exports while Zimbabwe restricted lithium ore shipments recently. Furthermore, Mali and Tanzania implemented gold export restrictions this year. Therefore, the Gabon manganese export ban represents broader continental industrial ambitions.

President Brice Oligui Nguema emphasizes increased state revenues through downstream processing. Moreover, this strategy requires massive investment in new manganese alloy production capacity. As a result, international miners must develop processing plants or exit Gabon entirely. The five-year transition period allows stakeholders to adjust operations accordingly.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Gabon's 2029 manganese export ban creates immediate pressure on Western supply chains already strained by geopolitical tensions. With China controlling most manganese processing capacity globally, this move could paradoxically strengthen Beijing's market position unless Western nations rapidly develop alternative processing hubs. Eramet's underutilized facilities suggest the technical and economic challenges of African beneficiation remain substantial.

China Nickel Sulphate Market Holds Firm Amid Supply Tightness and Weak NCM Demand

Nickel Sulphate

China nickel sulphate prices have remained stable for over a month due to constrained supply and sluggish demand from the NCM battery sector. Despite declining output and elevated feedstock costs, producers have resisted lowering prices to protect margins. The China nickel sulphate market is now facing a complex supply-demand imbalance shaped by both upstream disruptions and shifting downstream preferences.

Feedstock Supply Disruptions Tighten Production Margins

Nickel sulphate output in April dropped to 30,000 tonnes (nickel metal equivalent), down 13% month-on-month and 18% year-on-year. Cumulative output for January–April stood at 127,000 tonnes, 1.6% lower than the previous year, according to CNIA data. This production cut stems from limited availability of mixed hydroxide precipitate (MHP) and nickel matte, both critical inputs for sulphate production. Heavy rainfall in Morowali, Indonesia, disrupted MHP production in March and April, reducing output by 5,500 tonnes. At the same time, matte producers in China shifted to more profitable nickel pig iron (NPI), reducing matte availability. Consequently, the payable indicators for MHP and matte rose significantly, eroding margins and compelling some plants—like those in Guangxi—to convert from matte to MHP feedstock. These factors have kept the China nickel sulphate market tight despite weak demand.

NCM Battery Demand Shrinks as LFP Dominance Grows

While supply tightens, demand has faltered. NCM and NCA batteries, once dominant, have lost significant market share to lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistries. As of April, NCM batteries accounted for just 20% of China’s battery output, while NCA stood at 17%, down from a combined 65% in 2019. This shift has impacted upstream nickel demand, causing several international projects to stall. In recent months, Eramet and BASF withdrew from their Weda Bay refining JV, and Hanrui Cobalt cancelled its MHP investment in Indonesia. Meanwhile, automakers like Volkswagen are pivoting toward LFP technology to cut costs. Demand for NCM batteries is expected to remain weak through Q2 2024, with some exporters front-loading shipments earlier in the year due to global trade tensions. As a result, the China nickel sulphate market remains under pressure, with producers navigating tight margins amid uncertain downstream growth.

The Metalnomist Commentary

China’s nickel sulphate market exemplifies the structural turbulence within the EV battery supply chain. As feedstock constraints collide with weakening demand for NCM chemistries, producers must brace for lower growth visibility and rising volatility across Asia’s nickel value chain.

Lopal and Cornex Sign Landmark LFP Supply Deal to Strengthen China’s Battery Chain

Lopal

Strategic Agreement Secures 150,000t of LFP Through 2029

Lopal and Cornex have signed a major lithium iron phosphate (LFP) supply deal, securing 150,000 tonnes of LFP cathode active material over five years. The Focus Keyphrase "LFP supply deal" reflects a growing trend of long-term procurement strategies across the EV battery value chain.

Under the agreement, Jiangsu Lopal will deliver LFP to three Cornex subsidiaries in Wuhan, Xiaogan, and Yichang between 2025 and 2029. The deal is valued at over 5 billion yuan ($694 million), marking one of China’s largest bilateral LFP commitments to date. This collaboration comes as LFP demand surges in both domestic and export EV markets.

Lopal Expands Production Footprint Across China and Indonesia

Lopal has rapidly scaled its LFP production capabilities following its acquisition of the LFP business from Shenzhen BTR New Energy Material. It now operates multiple LFP plants across Jiangsu, Shandong, Tianjin, Sichuan, and Hubei, giving it geographic reach and production redundancy.

In 2024, Lopal’s LFP output surged to 184,697 tonnes, a 56% increase from the previous year, with sales rising 65% to 178,287 tonnes. Lopal has also begun overseas expansion, completing the first 30,000 t/yr phase of an Indonesian plant, with a second 90,000 t/yr phase in planning. These moves position Lopal as a global LFP leader with diversified supply capabilities.

Term Contracts Signal Confidence from Global OEMs

Lopal has not only secured deals with domestic players but also signed term supply contracts with Ford and LG Energy Solution. These partnerships highlight Lopal’s growing credibility in supplying high-volume, high-quality LFP material for global EV platforms.

Meanwhile, Cornex—formally Chuneng—is increasing battery production in central China, supported by reliable LFP sourcing. The LFP supply deal ensures material stability for future gigafactory-scale battery production, a critical factor amid rising input volatility and tightening market conditions.

The Metalnomist Commentary

The LFP supply deal between Lopal and Cornex reflects the tightening integration of China’s battery supply chain, with long-term contracts emerging as a buffer against future material risk. As global automakers seek cobalt-free alternatives, LFP’s role will only grow, and producers like Lopal are positioning themselves at the center of this transition.

GEM Expands Critical Mineral Recycling to Strengthen China’s Supply Chain Independence

GEM

High-Purity Germanium and Tungsten Recycling to Double by 2027

Chinese battery materials producer GEM is expanding its critical mineral recycling capacity to support China’s supply chain independence. In its 2024 annual report, GEM announced significant investments in germanium recycling and high-purity refining, driven by Beijing’s resource localization strategy. The company aims to rapidly scale its recycling of gallium, indium, and scandium, all of which are subject to China’s recent export restrictions.

Strategic Metals and Battery Materials Drive Growth

GEM will also broaden recycling operations for minor metals such as molybdenum, tantalum, and niobium. These materials are essential for defense and electronics manufacturing. The company currently recycles over 20 metals from waste batteries, electronics, vehicles, and plastics across its eight Chinese plants and international sites in South Korea, South Africa, and Indonesia.

Doubling Output of Tungsten and Platinum Group Metals

To support industrial demand, GEM plans to double its output of tungsten powder and electronic metals to 20 tonnes by 2027. Tungsten’s high conductivity and melting point make it ideal for semiconductors and photovoltaic thin-film cells. In addition, GEM will build a demonstration plant for platinum, palladium, and rhodium refining, targeting similar output growth by 2027.

Core Battery Material Output Set for 46% Growth in 2025

The company expects a strong rise in core product output—nickel, ternary precursors, cobalt, cathode materials, and recycled batteries—with a projected 46% increase in 2025. From 2025 to 2027, the annual growth rate is forecast to moderate to 36%, still reflecting robust demand for EV and energy storage materials.

The Metalnomist Commentary

GEM’s expansion underscores China’s push for mineral sovereignty in a geopolitically constrained environment. By scaling critical mineral recycling, GEM reduces import dependence while reinforcing its leadership in the global circular economy for strategic metals.

Vale Nickel Production 2025 Set to Rise with Second Furnace at Onca Puma

Vale

Vale nickel production 2025 is expected to increase significantly as the Brazilian miner nears completion of a second furnace at its Onca Puma site. The new furnace, 85% complete, is set to launch in Q2 2025 and will support Vale’s plan to produce 160,000–175,000 metric tonnes (t) of nickel this year. The company reported a strong first quarter with 43,900t, up 11% year over year.

Canadian Plants and Furnace Upgrades Drive Early Gains

Vale attributed its first-quarter output growth to high performance from its Canadian operations and the rebuilt furnace at Onca Puma. The nickel division rebounded after a 3% drop in 2024 production, which ended at 160,000t. In 2023, Vale had produced 165,000t. The ongoing infrastructure improvements signal renewed momentum for the company’s nickel strategy.

Meanwhile, Vale continues to implement upgrades across its global operations. Although maintenance is scheduled for Q3 at the Sunbury complex in Canada, overall output for Vale nickel production 2025 is still projected to rise. These efforts reflect Vale’s push to strengthen its position as a major supplier in the energy transition metals market.

Strategic Positioning in Global Nickel Supply Chain

Nickel is a core material for electric vehicle batteries, stainless steel, and energy storage. Vale’s ramp-up supports global supply at a time of fluctuating market dynamics and growing demand. The Onca Puma project’s expansion and Canadian consistency illustrate Vale’s resilience in managing both output and maintenance cycles effectively.

The company’s projected range for Vale nickel production 2025 signals investor confidence and growing alignment with energy transition goals. With global battery production rising, stable supply from a diversified portfolio becomes increasingly valuable.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Vale’s investment in its Onca Puma furnace positions it to capture rising nickel demand in 2025. As electrification accelerates, integrated producers with resilient infrastructure will shape the strategic metals landscape.

LGES to Acquire GM’s Stake in Michigan Battery Plant

Ultium Cells

LGES Expands Battery Footprint in the U.S.

LG Energy Solution (LGES) will acquire General Motors' (GM) stake in the Ultium Cells joint battery plant in Lansing, Michigan. The $2.08 billion deal comes from a non-binding agreement signed in December 2024, according to both companies. This acquisition allows LGES to take full control of the nearly completed plant while GM retains its position in other Ultium ventures.

Strategic Shift Aims for Cost-Efficient Expansion

The move is part of LGES’s broader effort to reduce the investment burden while enhancing facility efficiency. GM confirmed it will still source EV batteries from Ultium Cells’ existing plants in Warren, Ohio, and Spring Hill, Tennessee. This approach enables GM to meet growing EV demand while LGES consolidates control over its Michigan asset.

U.S. Battery Market Competition Intensifies

As the U.S. accelerates its energy transition, this acquisition reflects increasing consolidation in the battery manufacturing sector. Meanwhile, LGES continues investing globally, including in Arizona and Indonesia, to scale production.

The Metalnomist Commentary

LGES’s strategic buyout of GM’s stake aligns with its push to dominate the North American battery landscape. As U.S. EV adoption climbs, full ownership of the Lansing plant strengthens LGES’s operational flexibility while helping GM preserve critical supply chain partnerships. The deal may also preemptively shield LGES from potential future policy or sourcing restrictions.

Anglo American to Sell Brazilian Nickel Assets to MMG for Up to $500 Million

Anglo American

Strategic sale aligns Anglo’s focus on copper, iron ore, and crop nutrients amid nickel market shifts

Anglo American, the UK-South African mining major, has agreed to sell its Brazilian nickel business to MMG, a subsidiary of China’s Minmetals, for up to $500 million. The deal will streamline Anglo’s portfolio as it pivots toward copper, iron ore, and crop nutrients—sectors with stronger long-term demand.

The transaction includes an upfront $350 million cash payment, a $100 million price-linked earnout, and an additional $50 million contingent payment tied to development projects. MMG’s acquisition will be executed through its Singapore Resources arm, and the deal is expected to close by September 2025.

Brazilian ferronickel assets and greenfield projects included

The sale covers several key nickel operations in Brazil: the Barro Alto and Codemin ferronickel plants, as well as the Jacaré and Morro Sem Boné greenfield development projects. These assets provide MMG with direct access to high-grade nickel resources amid growing demand from battery and stainless steel industries.

In 2024, Anglo produced 39,400 tonnes of nickel (metal equivalent), down 1.5% year-on-year. It projects 2025 output between 37,000 and 39,000 tonnes. The sale will help Anglo prioritize high-margin projects in metals crucial to the global energy transition.

MMG expands presence as Brazil nickel exports to China fall

MMG, backed by state-owned China Minmetals Corporation, continues to secure upstream assets worldwide as China strengthens its control over energy transition metals. Despite the decline in Brazil's 2024 ferronickel exports to China—40,048 tonnes, down 36.3% from 2023—MMG’s acquisition signals confidence in long-term nickel demand.

Indonesia’s rise in nickel pig iron (NPI) output has pressured Brazilian exports, especially in the stainless steel sector. Meanwhile, Brazilian mining giant Vale is also reviewing its nickel portfolio, possibly considering divestment to sharpen competitiveness in its vertically integrated business model.

This transaction highlights shifting dynamics in global nickel supply as miners recalibrate for market volatility and the EV-driven demand surge.

China’s CNGR Launches CAM Precursor Production in Morocco to Expand Global Battery Supply Chain

CNGR Advanced Material

CNGR Advances Lithium-Ion Battery Materials Production in Africa

China’s leading lithium-ion battery cathode active material (CAM) precursor manufacturer, CNGR Advanced Material, has officially started production in Morocco. On January 23, the company launched its first batch of ternary precursor production lines, strengthening its global presence in the battery material supply chain.

Strategic Partnership and Project Scope

CNGR has partnered with Moroccan private investment fund Al Mada to develop the project. The joint venture, formed in 2023, aims to produce lithium-ion battery ternary CAM precursors, lithium iron phosphate (LFP), and recycle black mass from used batteries. CNGR’s subsidiary, CNGR Morocco New Energy, holds a 50.03% stake, while Al Mada’s subsidiary, NGI, owns 49.97%.

The production plant boasts an annual capacity of 120,000 tons for CAM precursors, 60,000 tons for LFP, and 30,000 tons for black mass recycling. The facility is a key step in CNGR’s plan to establish a fully integrated industrial park with a 70GWh/year battery material production capacity, which could support over one million electric vehicles.

Commitment to Sustainability and Renewable Energy

CNGR aims to achieve 100% renewable energy utilization by 2026 at its Moroccan site, significantly reducing its carbon footprint. By prioritizing local renewable energy sources, the company seeks to align with global sustainability goals and contribute to a greener battery supply chain.

Global Expansion and Market Reach

The project's output will supply markets in Europe, the United States, and other global new energy sectors. Morocco has become a strategic hub for Chinese battery manufacturers, with other key players such as BTR also developing anode material plants in the country. This expansion highlights Morocco’s growing role in the global electric vehicle (EV) battery ecosystem.

Nissan Advances Electrification with New LFP Battery Plants in Kyushu

Nissan

Strengthening Japan's Position in the Global EV Market

Nissan, a leading Japanese automobile manufacturer, has announced plans to establish new lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery plants in Kyushu, aligning with its aggressive electrification strategy. Set to begin construction during the fiscal year of April 2025 to March 2026, these facilities are a pivotal step in Nissan's commitment to enhancing its battery production capabilities and supporting the expanding electric vehicle (EV) market.

Financial Backing and Production Goals

The new plants are anticipated to start mass production in 2028-29, aiming for a production capacity of about 5 GWh per year. This initiative is supported by Japan's Ministry of Trade and Industry (Meti), which will provide a substantial subsidy of ¥56 billion ($359 million), covering approximately one-third of the total investment. This financial support underscores the government's commitment to fostering domestic battery technology advancements.

Nissan's Global Battery Strategy and Market Challenges

As part of its broader strategy to secure a global production capacity of 135 GWh per year by 2030-31, Nissan is focusing on strengthening its battery supply chain. The Kyushu plants are expected to contribute 10 GWh per year to this goal. However, Nissan faces challenges in the EV market, including a significant drop in net profit and a reduction in global car production capacity, which has affected its profitability and competitive stance.

Hydro Takes Full Ownership of Battery Recycler Hydrovolt

Hydrovolt

Acquisition Strengthens Hydro's Position in the Growing EV Battery Recycling Market

Norwegian aluminum producer Hydro has announced the acquisition of the remaining shares in battery recycler Hydrovolt from Swedish battery manufacturer Northvolt. This move gives Hydro full ownership of Hydrovolt, solidifying its position in the rapidly expanding electric vehicle (EV) battery recycling market. The acquisition, valued at 78 million kroner ($6.8 million), is expected to close in the first quarter of 2025, pending court approval.

Hydrovolt, established in 2020 as a 50:50 joint venture between Hydro and Northvolt, operates one of Europe's largest EV battery recycling plants in Fredrikstad, Norway. The plant boasts a 95% recovery rate for materials used in EV batteries, including plastics, copper, aluminum, and black mass—a powder containing valuable elements such as nickel, manganese, cobalt, and lithium.

Expansion and Future Plans

Hydrovolt is also constructing a new recycling plant in Hordain, northern France, with operations slated to commence later this year. The company aims to recycle approximately 300,000 tonnes of battery packs by 2030, equivalent to roughly 500,000 EV batteries.

This acquisition comes as Northvolt faces financial challenges, having filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in November 2024 due to substantial debt. Hydro, which has been solely financing Hydrovolt's operations since mid-2024, now seeks a new partner to secure long-term funding for the subsidiary.

Strategic Significance

Hydro's full ownership of Hydrovolt underscores its commitment to sustainable and circular solutions within the aluminum and battery value chains. This strategic move strengthens Hydro's position in the burgeoning EV battery recycling market, contributing to a more environmentally responsible and resource-efficient industry.

SK On Secures $9.6B Loan for US Battery Plants, Boosting EV Production Capacity

BlueOval SK

South Korean battery manufacturer SK On has successfully secured a loan of up to $9.6 billion for the construction of three new battery plants in the United States. The plants, located in Tennessee and Kentucky, will have a combined production capacity of 120 GWh per year, primarily dedicated to supplying batteries for Ford Motor's electric vehicles (EVs), including models under the Ford and Lincoln brands.

Major Investment in EV Battery Production

This loan, the largest ever awarded under the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Program, is a significant step towards bolstering the country’s position in the rapidly expanding electric vehicle (EV) market. The funds will be used to develop three state-of-the-art battery production facilities, which are set to contribute to Ford’s ambitious EV production goals.

The collaboration between SK On and Ford Motor has already led to the formation of BlueOval SK, a joint venture designed to build the largest EV battery production operation in the U.S. Despite the recent slowdown in the EV industry, which prompted Ford to delay the construction of its second Kentucky plant in October 2023, production at the first two plants is still scheduled to commence in 2025.

Strategic Importance of the DOE Loan

This loan represents a key investment in the future of the U.S. automotive and energy sectors. As the U.S. seeks to meet rising domestic demand for EVs and maintain its leadership in the global electric vehicle market, the DOE's Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Program plays a vital role in providing financial support for innovative technologies. By securing this funding, SK On ensures it is well-positioned to support Ford’s EV ambitions while contributing to the nation's electrification goals.

With the ongoing growth of Ford's electrified vehicle sales—reaching 257,693 units between January and November 2024, marking a 40% increase from the same period last year—this new production capacity is expected to play a pivotal role in meeting rising demand. SK On’s battery production capabilities have also seen growth, with the company’s installations increasing by 9.5% year-on-year, capturing 4.5% of the global market share, according to SNE Research.

South Manganese to Launch Manganese Lump Production at Daxin Plant in Guangxi

South Manganese

South Manganese, a leading Chinese producer of manganese products, has announced plans to construct a new manganese lump project at its Daxin plant in Chongzuo city, located in Guangxi province, southern China. The facility is set to produce 300,000 tonnes per year (t/yr) of manganese lump with a minimum purity of 95%. However, specific details regarding the launch and completion dates of the project were not disclosed.

South Manganese Expands Production into Deep-Processed Products

The new project represents a strategic move by South Manganese to expand its product range, specifically into deep-processed manganese products. According to the company’s chairperson Zhan Haiqing, the move will help the firm diversify its product offerings and strengthen its position in the manganese market. Manganese lump is a preferred product due to its ability to withstand prolonged storage without oxidizing, even in regions with high moisture levels, such as southern China. This advantage sets it apart from manganese flake, which can be more vulnerable to oxidation during storage.

South Manganese, formerly known as Citic Dameng, already operates four smelting plants in Chongzuo, with a combined manganese flake production capacity of 230,000 t/yr. In 2023, the company produced 157,300 tonnes of manganese flake and 14,300 tonnes of manganese briquette, showcasing its established role in the global manganese market.

Manganese Lump Production: A Growing Demand for High-Quality Manganese

Manganese is a critical material in the production of steel and batteries, which are key sectors driving demand for the metal. The recent price increases for manganese alloys have led producers to raise their offers for manganese flake, with prices for 99.7% grade manganese flake assessed between 12,300-12,500 yuan/tonne ($1,670-$1,717/tonne) as of December 16, 2024. This increase follows a rise in the prices of manganese alloys, highlighting the ongoing upward trend in manganese prices.

South Manganese's new project aligns with the broader industry movement towards higher-quality and more diversified manganese products. The manganese industry alliance meeting held in December 2024 is expected to provide further direction on price trends, with market participants keen to understand future price dynamics and the impact of new production initiatives like South Manganese’s Daxin project.

A Key Player in China's Manganese Sector

As one of China’s foremost manganese producers, South Manganese’s expansion into the manganese lump market will likely reinforce its market position both domestically and internationally. The company’s diversification into deep-processed products is an important step to meeting the evolving needs of the steel and battery industries, sectors that depend on high-quality, stable supplies of manganese.