Feasibility study to investigate potential UK manufacture of salts and electrolyte additives for lithium ion batteries

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The UK government has made a commitment to dramatically reduce its contribution to global warming by 2050\. Vehicle electrification is one of the key technologies which will help the government reach this important milestone. With a commitment to phasing out new ICE-powered vehicles by 2035, the government is now keen to develop a local ecosystem of suppliers for the rapidly growing market of electric vehicles. The manufacture of lithium ion batteries and battery materials has been identified by the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK as one of the highest value opportunities available to UK manufacturers. Electrolyte is one of the key battery materials in addition to cathodes and anodes. Access to fluorinated salts and additives and other key materials used in the manufacture of electrolytes is essential to enable a UK-based lithium ion batteries industry.Koura is a global leader in the mining of fluorspar and production of hydrofluoric acid, the two upstream steps prior to production of electrolytes and solvents. We have a robust and highly competitive supply chain for a UK manufacturing facility. Through a feasibility study Koura aims to carry out technological assessments of manufacturing processes and identify the availability of low-cost key materials to set up a production site for the manufacture of electrolyte salts and additives.The current supply landscape is dominated by Asian manufacturers in China, Japan and Korea. With a total absence of electrolyte salt manufacturers in the UK or indeed the EU Koura is excited about the unique opportunity to establish a truly integrated local supply chain for Lithium ion batteries manufactured within UK and EU. By providing these manufacturers the option of a local partner, Koura would help them reduce the risk of supply chain disruptions and currency fluctuations, create shorter lead times and reduce carbon footprint. Through this project Koura would welcome the chance to offer the latest cutting-edge products on the market, to help the UK government retain its technological leadership globally.