By moving copper smelting production closer to sales markets in China, Norilsk Nickel was able to master technologies for the production of battery materials, according to the president of the company, Vladimir Potanin, cited by Interfax.
Using these technologies, he noted, Norilsk Nickel, together with Rosatom, will produce both cathode materials and the batteries themselves, using lithium from the Kolmozersky deposit in Russia.
“Battery production is a key story for both transport and various industrial facilities,” Potanin said.
“That is, we are transferring the economically inefficient and environmentally ‘painful’ sulfur production to China, and in return we get the opportunity to extend our value chain and gain advanced competencies that are necessary for both the company and the country,” he added.
In his opinion, now is the right time for the company to establish value chains in the segments of battery materials, alloys, as well as in the production of batteries.
Theodor Lisovoy, Editor in Chief of the European bureau, Rough&Polished
