Latest market news

US earmarks $3bn to boost battery supply chain

  • : Battery materials, Metals
  • 24/09/20

The US Department of Energy (DOE) has selected 25 projects across 14 states to potentially receive more than $3bn to build out domestic supply of batteries, their components and critical materials including lithium, manganese and graphite.

The proposed recipients will "retrofit, expand and build" manufacturing and recycling facilities across the US, targeting different stages of the battery production supply chain, the DOE said on Thursday. Projects include those for advancing direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology, producing cathode active material (CAM) and developing components for battery separators.

More than $1bn is planned for five projects, with Standard Lithium and Equinor's SWA Lithium joint venture and TerraVolta Resources each possibly getting $225mn for their DLE undertakings.

Cirba Solutions and Group14 Technologies were next with $200mn for the former's lithium-ion battery recycling centre and the latter's silane manufacturing plant, while EnergySys Advanced Systems could receive $199mn for its site, where it intends to produce battery cells.

The funding, which will be administered by the Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC), is being made available under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Final award totals are contingent on negotiations between applicants and the DOE, along with environmental reviews of each proposed project.

The DOE already dispersed more than $1.8bn for 14 projects in October 2022 during the first round of awards funding under the MESC's battery materials processing and battery manufacturing and recycling programmes.

List of selected projects
Company nameProject locationProposed funding amountTargeted outputProposed production capacity
SWA Lithium LLCLewisville, AR$225,000,000Lithium carbonate45,000t
TerraVolta ResourcesTexarkana region$225,000,000Lithium carbonate25,000t
Cirba SolutionsColumbia, SC$200,000,000Metal salts from recycled batteries60,000t of batteries
Group14 TechnologiesMoses Lake, WA$200,000,000Silane gasN/A
EnerSys Advanced SystemsPiedmont, SC$198,679,760Lithium-ion battery cells5 GW/h
South32 HermosaPatagonia, AZ$166,175,802Manganese sulfate monohydrate185,000t
Element 25 (Louisiana)Baton Rouge, LA$166,128,094Manganese sulfate monohydrate65,000t
SKI USOrangeburg, SC$150,000,000Synthetic graphite25,000t
Form EnergyWeirton, WV$150,000,000Iron-air batteries20GWh
Clarios Circular Solutions Florence, SC$150,000,000CAM from recycled batteries20,000t
American Battery TechnologySouth Carolina$150,000,000Battery materials from recycled batteries100,000t
Revex TechnologiesChampion MI; Gwinn, MI$145,000,000Nickel concentrate black mass from spent batteries21,250t 16,000t
Honeywell InternationalGeismar, LA$126,586,497Lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imideN/A
Ascend ElementsHopkinsville, KY$125,000,000Recycled graphiteN/A
UrbixMuscle Shoals, AL$124,638,300Coated spherical purified graphite10,000t
DOW ChemicalUS Gulf Coast$100,000,000Carbonate solventsN/A
Forge BatteryMorrisville, NC$100,000,000Lithium-ion battery cells3GWh
Mitra Future TechnologiesMuskegon, MI$100,000,000Lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) CAM30,000t
Albemarle USCharlotte, NC$67,075,044Lithium metal anode material50t
NanoGrafFlint, MI$60,000,000Silicon monoxide anode material2,500t
Li IndustriesKettering, OH$55,243,798LFP CAM10,000t
Blue Whale MaterialsBartlesville, OK$55,232,669Black mass from recycled batteries50,000t
Braskem AmericaLa Porte, TX$50,000,000Ultra-high molecularweight polethyleneN/A
Cabot Van Buren Township, MI$50,000,000Carbon nanotubes Conductive additive dispersions1,000t 12,000t
Solid Power OperatingThornton, Co$50,000,000Sulfide-based solid electrolyteN/A

Related news posts

Argus illuminates the markets by putting a lens on the areas that matter most to you. The market news and commentary we publish reveals vital insights that enable you to make stronger, well-informed decisions. Explore a selection of news stories related to this one.

24/11/13

Cop: Argentina pulls delegation from Baku

Cop: Argentina pulls delegation from Baku

Montevideo, 13 November (Argus) — Argentina's government today withdrew its delegation from the UN Cop 29 climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan. The country's foreign affairs ministry confirmed to Argus that the delegation had been told to leave the event, which began on 11 November and will run through 22 November. No reason was given for the decision, but it fits the general policies of President Javier Milei, who has expressed skepticism about climate change. Milei eliminated the country's environment ministry shortly after taking office in December 2023. He is also pursuing investment to monetize oil and gas reserves, with a focus on the Vaca Muerta unconventional formation. Vaca Muerta has an estimated 308 trillion cf of natural gas and 16bn bl of oil, according to the US Energy Information Administration. In October, the government created the Argentina LNG division with a plan to involve private companies and the state-owned YPF to produce and export up to 30mn metric tonnes (t)/yr of LNG by 2030. It wants to export 1mn bl of crude. The plans are closely linked to a new investment framework, known as RIGI, that will provide incentives for large-scale investments. The administration is also pushing hard for investment in critical minerals, including copper and lithium. Argentina has the world's second-largest lithium resources, estimated at 22mn t by the US Geological Survey. It has copper potential that the RIGI would help tap. The government has not specified if pulling out of Cop 29 means Argentina will withdraw from the Paris Agreement, which Argentina ratified in 2016. The country's nationally determined contribution calls for net emissions not to exceed 359mn t of CO2 by 2030. This represents a 21pc reduction of emissions from the maximum reached in 2007. By Lucien Chauvin Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2024. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

Cop: Guterres warns of exploitation in minerals race


24/11/13
24/11/13

Cop: Guterres warns of exploitation in minerals race

London, 13 November (Argus) — Demand for critical minerals vital to the electric vehicle and renewable energy sectors should be met without causing a "stampede of greed" that exploits local communities and harms those living in poverty, UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres has said. "We are here to respond to a key challenge — turning the energy transition towards justice," Guterres told the UN Cop 29 climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan. Guterres warned that as the energy transition accelerates, it could present more risks than opportunities for many developing countries rich in metals such as copper or lithium unless managed with justice and equity. "For developing countries rich in resources, [the energy transition] is a huge opportunity to generate prosperity, eliminate poverty and drive sustainable development. But too often this is not the case," he said. "Too often we see the mistakes of the past repeated in a stampede of greed that crushes the poor," Guterres added. "We see developing countries ground down to the bottom of value chains, as others grow wealthy on their resources." In response to concerns in developing countries rich in battery minerals, the UN in April established the Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals. The panel of governments, international organisations, industry and civil society developed "voluntary principles" for managing value chains for critical energy transition minerals. The panel's report outlines seven voluntary guiding principles covering environmental and human rights, responsible investment and finance, transparency and anti-corruption measures, and international co-operation. It also identifies five "actionable recommendations", including establishing an advisory group to accelerate benefit-sharing and economic diversification, developing a mineral traceability framework and creating a fund to address mine closures and other mining legacies. The UN code has no enforcement mechanisms, and so implementation depends on the participation of industry, governments and civil society. By Cristina Belda Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2024. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

US inflation rises in October to 2.6pc


24/11/13
24/11/13

US inflation rises in October to 2.6pc

Houston, 13 November (Argus) — US inflation ticked higher in October, led by monthly gains in shelter, a reminder that the last lap in the Federal Reserve's marathon to bring inflation to its long-term target remains a challenge. The consumer price index (CPI) accelerated to an annual 2.6pc in October, in line with analysts' forecasts in a survey by Trading Economics, from 2.4pc in September, which was the lowest since February 2021, the Labor Department reported today. Core inflation, which strips out volatile food and energy prices, rose at a 3.3pc rate, unchanged on the month. The energy index contracted by 4.9pc over the 12 months, slowing from a decline of 6.8pc through September. The gasoline index fell by 12.2pc, slowing from a 15.3pc decrease the prior month. The fuel oil index fell by 20.8pc. Federal Reserve policymakers last week cut the target rate by a quarter point, following a half-point cut in September that kicked off an easing cycle from then-23-year highs. Inflation has slowed to near the Fed's 2pc target from highs above 9pc in mid-2022 that proved to be a major impetus behind president-elect Donald Trump's victory at the ballot box on 5 November. The CME's FedWatch tool today gives near-80pc odds of another quarter-point cut in December. "The economy can develop in a way that would cause us to go faster or slower" in adjusting rates lower, Fed chair Jerome Powell told reporters last week after the Fed decision. The food index rose by an annual 2.1pc, slowing from a 2.3pc gain through September. Shelter rose by an annual 4.9pc, unchanged. Transportation services rose by 8.2pc. New vehicles fell by 1.3pc while used vehicle prices fell by 3.4pc. Services less energy services, viewed as core services, rose by 4.8pc. On a monthly basis, CPI rose by 0.2pc in October, a fourth month of such gains after falling by 0.1pc in June. Core inflation rose by 0.3pc for a third month. Shelter accelerated to a 0.4pc monthly gain, accounting for over half of the monthly all-items increase, after a 0.2pc gain. Energy was unchanged in October after falling by 1.9pc in September from the prior month. Food rose by 0.2pc on the month, following a 0.4pc gain. By Bob Willis Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2024. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

Five factors to watch for in the tungsten market


24/11/13
24/11/13

Five factors to watch for in the tungsten market

Barcelona, 13 November (Argus) — The tungsten market is evolving quickly and Argus has identified five key developments to watch out for in the market, following the International Tungsten Industry Association (ITIA) conference in Barcelona last week. Increasing demand for tungsten concentrate Tungsten scrap availability is declining, which has increased global consumption of tungsten concentrate. China in particular has a growing appetite for tungsten, and tungsten concentrate prices in the country are rising significantly. Between January and August this year, China's tungsten concentrate imports rose by 95pc, driven by strong domestic demand for raw material feedstock which has faced tight supply for the past two years. Furthermore, production costs in the Chinese tungsten market have risen rapidly. According to a panellist, only a few new projects are expected to be operational this year. Argus' European tungsten concentrate price stood at $260-270/kg on 13 November, up by 8pc on the year. Mergers and acquisitions activity intensifies The industry is experiencing an uptick in mergers and acquisitions, with more expected in the near term. This aligns with broader trends in the global mining sector. Market sources indicated that they expect one or two acquisitions annually in the tungsten sector, with increased activity projected by next year. Over the next decade, industry consolidation is expected, especially in the US where the market remains fragmented. "Companies have the option to grow organically or through acquiring smaller firms, for instance, in the tooling market," a supplier stated. This consolidation trend is already under way in China, leading to more integrated tungsten supply chains. Due diligence requirements evolve There is growing pressure for improved due diligence across the supply chain, although challenges remain. Some downstream consumers are adopting risk-avoidance strategies rather than risk mitigation, asking their entire supply chains to stop sourcing materials from "suspended countries." Disputes regarding due diligence mechanisms amid conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo add complexity in this area. Additionally, with the US increasing tariffs on Chinese tungsten products, Chinese smelters may shift from the Responsible Minerals Assurance Process (RMAP) to their own guidelines, recently introduced in 2023 by the China Chamber of Commerce of Metals, Minerals and Chemicals Importers and Exporters (CCCMC). This shift could enhance their negotiating leverage and may require cross-recognition between the RMAP and CCCMC, potentially benefiting downstream companies. Diversification of supply chains Concerns about a trade war between the US and China and over-reliance on one supplier are driving efforts for supply chain diversification in western countries. The US already charges a 25pc duty on imported Chinese tungsten products. This could escalate under president-elect Donald Trump, who proposed tariffs of up to 60pc on imports from China during his campaign. Notably, China accounts for over 80pc of global tungsten production. Initiatives to diversify sources are under way, such as the Sangdong mine in South Korea, which is expected on line next year. In the US, the Department of Defense is providing funding opportunities for the development of domestic mining. At the moment, Guardian Metals in Nevada is the only project that could come into production in the US in the next three years. Defence, energy and mining could partially offset auto demand decline The tungsten industry is exploring new sector applications to address demand shortfalls in the automotive industry. Electric vehicles utilise less metal than gasoline and diesel vehicles. But there is increasing demand from the mining, oil and gas sectors, as well as military applications and aircraft. Market sources have high expectations for tungsten's use in nuclear fusion engines, which are expected to become a reality potentially within three years. In China, demand for tungsten wire in the solar industry has grown owing to the country's decarbonisation targets, although overcapacity in solar glass could affect this demand. And there have been developments in semiconductors, with chipmakers like Nvidia and TSMC using tungsten wires for chip and panel production. By Cristina Belda Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2024. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

CNGR’s NNI produces high-grade Ni matte in Indonesia


24/11/13
24/11/13

CNGR’s NNI produces high-grade Ni matte in Indonesia

Singapore, 13 November (Argus) — Nadesico Nickel Industry (NNI), the Indonesian subsidiary of major Chinese lithium-ion battery cathode active material (CAM) precursor manufacturer CNGR, produced its first batch of high-grade nickel matte (HGNM) on 6 November. NNI has the capacity to produce nickel pig iron (NPI), low-grade nickel matte (LGNM) or HGNM, depending on market conditions and profitability. The company is ramping up six production lines in north Morowali, Central Sulawesi, while simultaneously constructing another two lines. LGNM production capacity stands at around 80,000 t/yr in nickel metal equivalent, while the full ramp-up of all production lines could yield up to 40,000t of nickel metal equivalent in HGNM, according to CNGR. But market participants anticipate that the NNI project will primarily focus on NPI production, with each production line having a capacity of around 12,000 t/yr in nickel metal equivalent in NPI. HGNM is used in the production of nickel sulphate, a feedstock for lithium-nickel-cobalt-manganese oxide CAM battery or nickel production. CNGR operates another HGNM project in Indonesia with a production capacity of 60,000 t/yr in nickel metal equivalent, along with two other projects producing LGNM, with a combined nameplate capacity of 55,000 t/yr. CNGR, from its Indonesian operations, produced approximately 60,000t in nickel metal equivalent from January to September. This figure excludes output from its first and only class I nickel Indonesian refinery, ZWDX, which commenced production in June 2023 and has a nameplate capacity of 50,000 t/yr. Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2024. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

Generic Hero Banner

Business intelligence reports

Get concise, trustworthy and unbiased analysis of the latest trends and developments in oil and energy markets. These reports are specially created for decision makers who don’t have time to track markets day-by-day, minute-by-minute.

Learn more