South Korean battery material makers are accelerating efforts to build traceable, non-Chinese supply chains as tighter US rules threaten clean energy incentives for products linked to China or other prohibited foreign entities. LS-L&F Battery Solution, a joint venture between LS Group and L&F, has started qualification tests to produce precursor materials using nickel sulfate from LS MnM, creating an integrated supply chain from raw materials to cathode components. If tests proceed as planned, commercial production could begin in the fourth quarter, with annual capacity expected to rise from 40,000 tons to 120,000 tons by 2029. LS MnM is also investing in an Indonesian smelter to secure non-Chinese nickel supplies. Other Korean companies are pursuing similar strategies: Posco Future M is diversifying graphite sourcing from Tanzania and Australia while producing synthetic graphite in Korea and Vietnam, and EcoPro BM is procuring nickel from Indonesia for cathode production in Korea and Hungary. The shift reflects Washington’s efforts to reduce Chinese materials in US power infrastructure, including battery storage systems. Industry experts say non-Chinese supply chains are becoming essential to meet US rules, reduce trade risks and protect Korean suppliers from Chinese price competition (ICE SEOUL)

Fonte notizia: THE KOREA HERALD