The brief
- South Korea's largest chemical company and world-leading EV battery cell and cathode materials supplier.
- Clarksville cathode plant: 60 kt/yr NCMA, North America's largest. Serves GM (950 kt commitment) and Toyota (€2.02B deal).
- \$1.6B investment in Tennessee reflects westward shift of battery supply chains. Operations to begin in 2026 with flexible scaling.
Technical approach
NCMA Chemistry
Nickel-rich cathode materials
High nickel (80–95%) increases energy density and reduces cobalt. Manganese and aluminium add stability.
Supply Chain Integration
Ore to cathode in one location
Combines refining (lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese) and synthesis in integrated facilities, reducing transport and supply risk.
Cost Reduction
Scaling economies of scale
Clarksville targets \$60–80/kg cathode from current \$100–120/kg, leveraging economies and North American feedstock access.
