Essential for EVs: Securing graphite in Canada
– China imposes graphite export restrictions starting December 1st
-China’s global share of natural graphite is 65%
We bring you a summary of NHK broadcast articles.
Growing demand for EV batteries:
Demand for lithium-ion batteries is expected to increase worldwide.
Graphite is one of the essential minerals for its production, and Canada, a resource-rich country, is attracting attention.
Demand for graphite is increasing:
～Canadian company embarking on mining
A graphite mine mining site in Quebec, Canada.
A Canadian company has embarked on a new mining venture.
Graphite from this mine will also be used as a material for batteries.
Canadian companies engaged in mining:
Nouveau Monde Graphite: CEO Eric Desaulniers
There are few promising graphite mines in North America.
This time, he sensed an opportunity in graphite production and started his business.
The plant plans to produce 100,000 tons of graphite per year in three years.
China accounts for 65% of world production:
China will begin export controls from December.
Nowadays, it is becoming difficult to maintain a stable supply of graphite. China risks have emerged.
Japan also relies on China for procurement. ‘Concerns about being dependent on one country’ have increased.
America gives preferential treatment to ‘North American EVs’:
Canada is attracting particular attention as a potential new sourcing destination.
The reason behind this is a plan to promote the spread of EVs in the United States.
Measures to promote the spread of EVs in the United States:
When purchasing an EV, preferential treatment will be given to those that meet certain conditions.
1. Battery components are manufactured in North America such as Canada,
2. Must be assembled in North America
You can receive tax benefits of up to 1.1 million yen in Japanese yen.
Japanese car manufacturers:
A Japanese automaker has announced that it will produce EVs in the United States.
In other words, the important question is whether we can secure graphite in Canada.
Japanese trading company collaborates with Canadian company:
Japanese trading companies are already deepening their ties with Canadian companies.
Major Japanese trading company: Teruya Mogi
Japan-Canada collaboration is extremely important in terms of supply chain diversification.
The plan is already underway with support of 3.7 billion yen.
Nouveau Monde Graphite: Desaulnier CEO
The plan is to not only mine graphite but also process battery materials.
Currently, we are collaborating technically with a Japanese battery manufacturer.
We want to provide battery materials to manufacturers in North America and become an alternative to the Chinese market.
Cooperation between Japan and Canada:
The Japanese and Canadian governments signed a memorandum of understanding in September to ensure a stable supply of important minerals such as graphite.
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/contents/ohabiz/articles/2023_1109.html