Hubei Boyang launches manganese-based battery CAM plant to scale China’s next-wave cathodes

Hubei Boyang

China’s manganese-based battery CAM build-out gained momentum as Hubei Boyang started its first-phase plant. The project adds manganese-based battery CAM capacity and manganese tetroxide at scale. As a result, manganese-based battery CAM supply will deepen near upstream ore in Hubei.

First-phase start-up and three-stage growth path

Hubei Boyang commissioned a plant with 20,000 t/yr of manganese-based CAM. It also started 30,000 t/yr of manganese tetroxide. The site sits in Changyang, Yichang, central Hubei. However, the plan is larger than this first step. The full project targets 280,000 t/yr across three phases.

Changyang county hosts abundant manganese ore reserves for feedstock. Therefore, the location reduces logistics risk and costs. Hubei Zhongmeng operates five lines totaling 50,000 t/yr of manganese flake. That nearby supply strengthens the project’s raw material security.

China’s LMFP and Mn-rich cathodes expand rapidly

China’s power battery growth is catalyzing manganese-based battery CAM investments. Producers are scaling LMFP and related Mn chemistries. Meanwhile, Hunan Yuneng is building an LMFP line. Shanxanxi Tewashi began a 100,000 t/yr plant in May. Ningbo Ronbay plans LMFP and sodium-ion CAM in Hubei. Baiyin Shidai Ruixiang launched 20,000 t/yr of battery-grade LMFP in Gansu.

Manganese-rich cathodes aim to balance cost, safety, and energy. As a result, they target EVs and storage systems. Hubei Boyang’s start-up signals tighter integration from ore to cathode. It should broaden customer options beyond LFP and ternary NCM.

The Metalnomist Commentary

China’s Mn-based push lowers cathode cost while reducing nickel and cobalt exposure. Watch phase-by-phase execution and LMFP adoption rates. Regional feedstock proximity could anchor margins during price swings.

Hunan Shunke Launches Manganese Flake Plant in China’s Hunan Province

Chinese producer Hunan Shunke New Material has commenced operations at its new manganese flake plant, initiating production with the first two lines. According to local government reports, these initial production lines are expected to yield a combined output of 2,200 tons per month. The company plans to activate the remaining three production lines by the end of this year, with an ambitious target to produce 25,000 tons of manganese flake in 2024.

Located in Huayuan county in central China’s Hunan province, Hunan Shunke has collaborated with Dongfang Mining, another flake producer in the region, investing 30 million yuan ($4.1 million) in this project. The expansion into manganese tetroxide production, which is crucial for the lithium-ion battery industry, is also part of Shunke's strategic growth plan.

The rapid growth of the electric vehicle (EV) power battery sector has driven many Chinese companies to increase production of manganese-based battery materials. In 2023, China’s lithium manganate production rose to 122,000 tons, marking a 40% increase from the previous year, according to the China Non-Ferrous Metals Industry Association.

In related developments, Hubei Boyang New Materials announced in July plans to build a manganese-based cathode active materials (CAM) plant in the Changyang economic development zone of Yichang city, Hubei province. Additionally, Wuxi Jewel Power and Materials revealed plans in June to construct lithium manganate and lithium manganese iron phosphate plants in Guangyuan, Sichuan province.