Global Battery Materials Corp. (GBM) has signed a non-binding letter of intent with South Korean battery technology and manufacturing company LiBEST to evaluate the potential commercial supply of natural graphite, coated spherical purified graphite (CSPG), and other anode materials sourced and processed outside China.
The agreement establishes a framework for material evaluation, potential commercial supply, and related development work. LiBEST will evaluate GBM’s graphite and anode materials as part of efforts to expand its supply options outside China and address applicable US Foreign Entity of Concern requirements.
The LOI follows a previous memorandum of understanding between the companies covering battery material testing, anode product development, supply-chain engagement, and participation in government programs.
GBM operates a pilot production plant and R&D facility in South Korea, where the company has validated its anode processing technology and produced battery-grade anode material for technical qualification by Tier 1 battery manufacturers.
The proximity of GBM and LiBEST’s development operations in South Korea is expected to support material evaluation and development work.
The collaboration also has a North American supply-chain component. GBM is advancing the restart of the Kearney graphite mine in Ontario as part of a vertically integrated platform spanning graphite mining and anode-material processing. The company also operates a battery materials laboratory in Québec and plans to scale its anode processing technology in North America.
Under the agreement, LiBEST will assess GBM’s graphite and anode materials for potential use in high-performance battery applications, including electric vehicle batteries. The work is intended to support qualification of graphite and processed anode materials for future commercial supply.
Filed Under: Batteries, Technology News