BHP, Prime Planet Energy and Solutions (PPES) and Toyota Tsusho Corporation (TTC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the creation of a Green Electric Vehicle (EV) Ecosystem.
The MoU signed between the three organisations has established a collaboration framework beginning with the supply of nickel sulphate from BHP’s new production plant in Nickel West (NiW), Western Australia to PPES.
BHP Chief Commercial Officer Vandita Pant said creating a Green EV Ecosystem could make a real difference for the battery supply chain.
“Together with PPES and TTC, we are taking the next step in creating a more sustainable, transparent industry and one that is working collectively to lift standards and reduce emissions,” she said.
“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.”
PPES is one of Japan’s leading lithium-ion battery producers, and a joint venture between Toyota Motor Corporation and Panasonic Corporation. TTC is a general trading company that is part of the Toyota group.
BHP will supply PPES with nickel sulphate from its recently constructed Nickel West facility in WA to enable PPES to develop lower carbon batteries that will be supplied to EV manufacturers, including Toyota.
Toyota Motor Corporation Australia (TMCA) and Nickel West will also collaborate on EV supply following an EV trial agreement signed in December 2020.
TTC Chief Operating Officer for Metals Division Masaharu Katayama said the 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.
BHP’s Nickel West Asset President Jessica Farrell added that the demand for nickel in batteries is estimated to grow by over 500 per cent over the next decade.
“We have invested in our Nickel West facilities and power agreements so that we can now deliver some of the world’s most sustainable and lowest carbon emission nickel to customers,” she said.
“We are excited to work with out partners to potentially increase the use of electric vehicles at our operations and further advance our sustainability agenda.”