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Lithium Australia (ASX:LIT) progresses plans to produce cobalt-free batteries

Materials
ASX:LIT      MCAP $34.22M
17 September 2021 09:30 (AEST)

Source: VSPC

Lithium Australia’s (LIT) subsidiary has progressed its plans to establish a strategic position in the market for cobalt and nickel-free lithium-ion batteries.  

VSPC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lithium Australia, operates a battery material research and development facility and pilot plant in Brisbane. The company has patented several processes for producing high-performance lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathode powder, as well as high-energy-density variants that include lithium manganese ferro phosphate.

VSPC said it is currently advancing plans to commercialise its process technology for the manufacture of cathode material for LFP and LMFP batteries. These advanced battery materials are now being tested by cell manufacturers in South Korea, France, Canada, Israel, China and Japan.

Cobalt and nickel-free batteries are thought to be safer, longer-lasting and require less raw materials than its alternatives.

The company said cobalt-free batteries are continuing to grow in popularity, with the lithium market hitting a new high. The price of battery-grade lithium concentrate is said to have increase by 144 per cent this year alone.  

“To develop renewable energy security, Australia requires a domestic battery supply chain,” said Lithium Australia managing director, Adrian Griffin.

“The shortage of nickel- and cobalt-free cathode materials outside China is of great concern; however, the possibility of producing such material here in Australia has garnered enthusiastic support – from local miners right through to international battery producers.”

“This country needs to act now, building on its resource base and developing the value-add that can position Australia as a leader in the new energy revolution,” said Adrian Griffin

Lithium Australia last traded at 12.5 cents on September 16.

Lithium Australia’s (LIT) subsidiary has progressed its plans to establish a strategic position in the market for cobalt and nickel-free lithium-ion batteries.  

VSPC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lithium Australia, operates a battery material research and development facility and pilot plant in Brisbane. The company has patented several processes for producing high-performance lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathode powder, as well as high-energy-density variants that include lithium manganese ferro phosphate.

VSPC said it is currently advancing plans to commercialise its process technology for the manufacture of cathode material for LFP and LMFP batteries. These advanced battery materials are now being tested by cell manufacturers in South Korea, France, Canada, Israel, China and Japan.

Cobalt and nickel-free batteries are thought to be safer, longer-lasting and require less raw materials than its alternatives.

The company said cobalt-free batteries are continuing to grow in popularity, with the lithium market hitting a new high. The price of battery-grade lithium concentrate is said to have increase by 144 per cent this year alone.  

“To develop renewable energy security, Australia requires a domestic battery supply chain,” said Lithium Australia managing director, Adrian Griffin.

“The shortage of nickel- and cobalt-free cathode materials outside China is of great concern; however, the possibility of producing such material here in Australia has garnered enthusiastic support – from local miners right through to international battery producers.”

“This country needs to act now, building on its resource base and developing the value-add that can position Australia as a leader in the new energy revolution,” said Adrian Griffin.

Lithium Australia last traded at 12.5 cents on September 16.

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