We are collaborating with one of China’s largest battery and battery material recycler, GEM, to explore new and more efficient technologies for the use of existing and alternative raw materials to power batteries in electric vehicles. We have also signed an MoU with Finnish Minerals Group to work together to explore opportunities to further support Finland’s battery strategy.
We have announced the launch of an R&D project in partnership with GEM, one of China’s largest battery and battery material recyclers, to explore new and more efficient technologies for the use of existing and alternative raw materials to be used in batteries for EVs.
The project will focus on the co-development of metal dissolution technologies using mined and recycled nickel, cobalt and manganese. It promotes a more efficient use of battery materials, improves existing processes, and exploration in new materials not currently in the battery value chain.
Paul Ward, Executive Head of Base Metals Marketing for Anglo American, said: "Our diversified portfolio includes a range of products critical to the long-term decarbonisation of transport – a sector estimated to account for over 15% of global emissions. We are collaborating with leaders in the sector to explore new technologies that build on the physical qualities of our portfolio of products to help tackle some of the key challenges facing the industry and contribute to the sustainable scale-up of EV travel.
“Our work in this space is part of our commitment to supply our customers with products tailored to their specific needs and that capitalise on the opportunities offered by ongoing technological innovation.”
In recent years, with increasing focus on the carbon neutral target, green transport and clean energy represented by zero emission vehicles have shown industrial prospects, and electrification of the sector is gaining momentum. China is the world's largest EV sector, with an expected eight million vehicles sold in 2023. China's zero emission vehicle penetration rate is rapidly increasing due to favourable policies and market drive. In December 2023, the domestic production and sales of new energy vehicles reached 1,172,000 and 1,191,000 respectively, with market share of EVs reaching 37.7%. GEM is one of the leading global battery material producers, with pioneering technology and capability to recycle batteries through the extraction of the minerals they contain.
Professor Xu Kaihua, founder and chairman of GEM said: "We have over two decades of experience in recycling batteries and electronics and have invested heavily in understanding the processes needed to recover raw materials essential for the energy transition. This collaboration marks an important step for us, as we seek to drive synergies with industry leaders such as Anglo American that participate in the critical raw materials value chain and share our commitment to advancing technological development to shape a more sustainable future for the transport sector.”
Anglo American is a key partner to the automotive industry, supplying the precious metals helping catalytic converters to strip pollutants from car exhaust gases as emissions regulators become ever more stringent. We have also been an early supporter of the hydrogen economy, advocating for more widespread adoption of fuel cell electric vehicles.
We have also signed an MoU with Finnish Minerals Group to explore opportunities to further support Finland’s battery strategy. This agreement further strengthens our commitment to Finland as well as to our Sakatti project, a true polymetallic orebody very much aligned to Finland’s and the EU’s critical minerals priorities.
Alison Atkinson, Projects & Development Director at Anglo American, said: “Finland is a highly attractive investment destination and has a strong heritage in both mining and innovation. We look forward to working with Finnish Minerals Group, whose mission is to responsibly maximise the value of Finnish minerals, to explore the wealth of opportunities that our agreement could offer.
“This agreement further strengthens our commitment to Finland as well as to our Sakatti project, a true polymetallic orebody very much aligned to Finland’s and the EU’s critical minerals priorities. Sakatti is designed as the next generation of FutureSmart Mining™, building on what we have learned in terms of minimal surface footprint and using technology and innovation to deliver ever better environmental and social outcomes, whilst producing essential raw materials needed to transition to a greener, low carbon energy future.”
Press release here: https://www.angloamerican.com/media/press-releases/2024/12-02-2024