With its significant mineral reserves, WA is looking to become an important materials supplier as lithium-ion battery manufacturers continue to scale up – to supply both the stationary and Electric Vehicle (EV) battery makers. USD$13.8 million has been invested in a high quality nickel, cobalt and manganese pilot production facility for battery cathodes. The investment is a combination of cash and “in kind” in investment.
The cathode is a key component in lithium-ion batteries, allowing the high powered charging and discharging of lithium ion batteries. It can be one of the most costly battery components and its quality crucial for battery performance and safety. A Canadian study, from McGill University, found that the cathode can account for up to 40% of lithium-ion battery cell production costs.
WA is hoping to establish processing facilities for key cathode materials under the Cathode Precursor Production project. The WA government is contributing $673,000 to the project. The funding is part of a $9.9 million the WA government is investing in cathode manufacturing projects.
“Western Australia already exports all the minerals needed to make a battery but now we have the exciting opportunity to move into the next step of manufacturing these materials,” said Bill Johnston, the WA Minister for Mines and Petroleum. Johnston is also responsible for the WA energy portfolio.
Once the manufacturing facility is completed, an 18 month trial will be carried out to assess its...
Read Full Story: https://www.pv-magazine.com/2021/10/21/western-australia-to-produce-cathode-materials-in-trial-production/
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