GM wants to buy nickel and cobalt in Australia

General Motors is making a strategic investment in Australian battery materials supplier Queensland Pacific Metals to secure a new source of low-cost nickel and cobalt for its Ultium battery cells.

GM says it expects to invest up to $69 million in Queensland Pacific Metals to build the Townsville Energy Chemicals Hub (TECH) project in northern Australia, which is planned for 2023. Once the project is implemented, General Motors will source nickel and cobalt under a long-term supply commitment, although the exact length of the contract has not been disclosed.

As GM writes in its announcement, nickel laterite ore mined in New Caledonia and processed in Townsville will be processed using a new and proprietary process. Through this method, which is not described in detail, waste is reduced to such an extent that the plant does not require an overburden dam.

Queensland Pacific Metals’ battery products are to be used in GM’s Altium vehicles. In the announcement, the automaker listed all Altium models announced so far, including the Chevrolet Silverado EV, GMC Hummer EV pickup and SUV, Cadillac Lyric, Chevrolet Blazer EV and Chevrolet Equinox EV.

“Working with Queensland Pacific Metals will provide GM with a safe, cost-effective, long-term supply of nickel and cobalt from a free trade agreement partner to meet our rapidly growing EV production needs,” said GM Vice President Jeff Morrison. Procurement and supply chain. “Importantly, this agreement demonstrates our commitment to building strong supplier relationships and aligns with our approach to responsible sourcing and supply chain management.”

In the past year LG Energy Solutions, General Motors’ partner in battery cell conglomerate Ultium Cells, had already invested in Queensland Pacific Metals.
gm.com

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