May 26, 2023
Hyundai Motor Group partners with Korea Zinc on nickel value chain for EV batteries
Hyundai Motor Group signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Korea Zinc. The Group will cooperate with Korea Zinc, Korea’s leading non-ferrous metal smelting company, in a comprehensive
Hyundai Motor Group signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Korea Zinc. The Group will cooperate with Korea Zinc, Korea’s leading non-ferrous metal smelting company, in a comprehensive collaboration across the nickel value chain.
The partnership includes joint sourcing of nickel raw material, processing of nickel raw material, and ensuring a stable supply of processed nickel and battery materials, and exploring new businesses, including battery recycling.
The two partners plan to work towards establishing a stable nickel supply chain, a critical raw material for EV batteries. Also, both plans to purchase nickel raw materials jointly and invest in mine development projects to source raw materials that meet IRA requirements.
In April, the Group unveiled its plan to achieve global EV leadership by producing 3.64 million EVs, positioning itself among the top three global EV manufacturers by 2030.
To support this aim, the Group is prioritizing procurement of key raw materials such as nickel and lithium. The Group is actively seeking collaborations with various global partners specializing in the procurement and processing of raw materials and the manufacturing of battery materials.
Nickel supply from the partnership is planned to commence in 2026. In 2031, the Group intends to source 50 percent of the nickel needed to produce EV batteries that meet the IRA requirements from the partnership with Korea Zinc.
The nickel supply is also expected to contribute to the Group securing stable EV battery raw materials that meet other regional EV-related regulations, the European Union's Critical Raw Material Act (CRMA), as well as other ESG requirements.
As part of the collaboration, HMG Global, an overseas joint venture established collaboratively by Hyundai Motor, Kia, and Hyundai Mobis, plans to acquire a 5% stake in Korea Zinc.
The share price is approximately KRW 504,333 (US$381) per share, with a total transaction value of about KRW 527.2 billion (US$399 million). The stock acquisition and payment related to equity investment are scheduled for 12 September, and the transfer of shares will be restricted until one year after the purchase.
Furthermore, Hyundai Motor Group secured the right to suggest one non-executive director. Along with the share acquisition, the move aims to strengthen strategic ties between two parties and bolster cooperation on EV business value chain.
Leveraging its expertise in smelting non-ferrous metals like zinc and silver, Korea Zinc established a subsidiary for nickel sulfate production for EV batteries in 2017. The company is focusing on expanding its presence in the EV battery business with a focus on nickel. The expansion includes establishing a subsidiary to produce precursor for EV batteries and plans to build this year a nickel smelter in the Industrial Complex in Ulsan.
Posted on 31 August 2023 in Batteries, Electric (Battery), Market Background, Materials, Mining, Vehicle Manufacturers | Permalink | Comments (0)