Aqua Metals, Inc. and 6K Energy recently announced a multi-year material supply agreement that sets a framework for the future supply of battery-grade nickel metal and lithium carbonate for domestic cathode manufacturing.
The materials are intended for lithium-ion battery supply chains that support EV production.
The agreement includes alignment on product specifications, qualification steps and index-based pricing. It has an initial three-year term. 6K Energy has the option to purchase Aqua Metals’ output of battery-grade nickel metal and lithium carbonate with pricing based on prevailing London Metal Exchange nickel prices. The agreement also references market index pricing for lithium carbonate.
The framework anticipates potential volumes after qualification and after planned facility expansions by both companies, including a proposed battery materials production facility by 6K Energy and an expanded recycling facility by Aqua Metals.
The companies also referenced compliance expectations related to Foreign Entity of Concern requirements as part of domestic sourcing goals. The agreement includes an option to evaluate tolling arrangements for lithium-ion battery black mass and it references support for multiple battery chemistries, including nickel-based and lithium iron phosphate systems.
Filed Under: Batteries, Technology News