General Motors Co. (GM) has secured a new source of nickel and cobalt for Ultium battery cells that is both reliable and cost-competitive after making a strategic investment in Queensland Pacific Metals.
The nickel laterite ore is anticipated to be processed utilising a novel and exclusive method that helps minimise waste and does not call for a tailings dam. For the development of its proposed Townsville Energy Chemicals Hub (TECH) Project in Northern Australia, GM is required by the agreement to contribute up to $69 million to Queensland Pacific Metals.
The GM truck, SUV, van, and luxury car lineup, which includes the Chevrolet Silverado EV, GMC HUMMER EV Pickup and SUV, Cadillac LYRIQ, Chevrolet Blazer EV, and Chevrolet Equinox EV, will be powered by nickel and cobalt from Queensland Pacific Metals.
“The collaboration with Queensland Pacific Metals will provide GM with a secure, cost-competitive and long-term supply of nickel and cobalt from a free-trade agreement partner to help support our fast-growing EV production needs. Importantly, the agreement demonstrates our commitment to building strong supplier relationships and is aligned with our approach to responsible sourcing and supply chain management,” said Jeff Morrison, GM vice president, Global Purchasing and Supply Chain.
Queensland Pacific Metals CEO Stephen Grocott expressed their delight to collaborate with GM.
“GM’s strategic direction, company values, and focus on sustainability in its pursuit of making electric vehicles for all is a perfect fit for Queensland Pacific Metals and our TECH Project. GM’s investment in our company and the associated offtake brings us one step closer towards construction of the TECH Project where we will one day aim to deliver the world’s cleanest produced nickel and cobalt. We thank GM for their belief in our TECH Project and look forward to becoming part of the GM sustainably sourced raw material supply chain,” Grocott added.
The planned TECH Project by Queensland Pacific Metals has the potential to establish itself as a top provider of premium, cutting-edge battery materials. The environmentally friendly, high-purity battery materials refinery is being built in response to the rising demand for battery components, particularly nickel and cobalt, for electric vehicles.
The DNi Process, a proprietary refining and recycling procedure, uses environmentally responsible techniques to extract nickel, cobalt, and other valuable metals from the laterite. High-grade nickel laterite ore will be supplied from adjacent New Caledonia for processing at the TECH facility.
Queensland Pacific Metals have acquired the DNi Process usage rights from Altilium Group. The DNi Process recycles over 9 per cent of the nitric acid, there is no need for a tailings dam, and less trash is produced than with conventional extraction methods.
Construction on the TECH Project is anticipated to start in 2023.
“GM already has binding agreements securing all battery raw material supporting our goal of 1 million units of annual capacity in North America by the end of 2025. This new collaboration builds on those commitments as we look to secure supply through the end of the decade, while also helping continue to expand the EV market,” Morrison said.
 has secured a new source of nickel and cobalt for Ultium battery cells that is both reliable and cost-competitive after making a strategic investment in Queensland Pacific Metals. ){kind=link}