A “Green Electric Vehicle Ecosystem” will be created following a deal between mining firm BHP, battery maker Prime Planet Energy & Solutions (PPES) and Toyota Tsusho Corporation— the trading arm of vehicle maker Toyota Group.
The memorandum of understanding (MOU) has established a collaboration framework that begins with Australia’s BHP supplying PPES with nickel sulphate from the former’s production plant in Nickel West, Western Australia.
This will enable Japan’s PPES to develop batteries that will be supplied to EV manufacturers, including fellow Japanese firm Toyota.
The MoU sets out plans to identify ways to make the Japanese battery supply chain more sustainable by lowering carbon emissions, and implementing standards for end-to-end raw materials traceability, ethical sourcing and human rights reporting.
The parties will explore the possibility of recycling battery scrap and used batteries at BHP’s Nickel West facility for the processing and production of nickel bearing products.
BHP chief commercial officer, Vandita Pant, said: “Creating a Green EV Ecosystem is something that could make a real difference for the battery supply chain.
“It starts with the raw material and we are delighted to supply PPES with nickel sulphate in this partnership where we will work together, with TTC, to create long term success and sustainability.”
Toyota Tsusho Corporation’s chief operating officer for metals division, Masaharu Katayama, said: “This partnership has great potential to secure competitive raw materials for the EV value chains as well as to create battery material recycling loops, which is crucial for EV development in the future.”
