by UmicoreBE
Umicore manufactures NMC cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries at plants in Poland and Korea. It is developing manganese-rich chemistries (HLM) to reduce cost and cobalt dependence.
Supplying multi-year offtake contracts; scaling Poland and Korea plants; HLM 2026 entry planned.
Checked 10 Oct0 updates this week
Nickel, manganese and cobalt precursors are mixed and calcined to form the layered oxide that enables lithium insertion and removal during charge cycles.
High-nickel NMC reduces cobalt content and cost; manganese-rich HLM further reduces cobalt and improves thermal stability for demanding automotive use.
Multi-region plants in Poland and Korea supply major automakers through long-term contracts, ensuring consistent quality and local availability.
| Spec | Battery Cathode Materials |
|---|---|
| LG Chem supply contract total volume | 125 ktR (reported) |
| H1 2026 Group revenue | €1.9BR (reported) |
| H1 2026 adjusted EBITDA | €577MR (reported) |
| H1 2026 adjusted EBITDA margin | 30.2%R (reported) |
| FY 2026 adjusted EBITDA guidance | Slightly above €1.0BR (reported) |
R reported by the company
Umicore
Battery cathode materials, NMC, recycling, specialty metals
Umicore produces NMC battery cathode materials at plants in Poland and Korea, supplying major automakers. The company is developing manganese-rich chemistries (HLM) for 2026+ entry. H1 2026: €1.9B revenues, €577M EBITDA.
