Euro-Manganese: CEO & President resigns

"When beggars die there are no comets seen; The heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes."— Julius Caesar, Act 2, Scene 2

The saying "canary in a coal mine" originates from the historical practice of using canaries as an early warning system for miners. These small birds were brought into coal mines, because they are more sensitive to toxic gases, such as carbon monoxide, than humans.

If a canary showed signs of distress or died, it served as a warning for miners to evacuate the area immediately, as the air quality was becoming dangerous.

Dr Matt James , who did his Ph. D. on the materials engineering aspects of high temperature superconductivity, has resigned from his role as CEO and President of Euro Manganese Inc.

With the highest Energy-, OPEX- and CAPEX- requirements of all Battery Grade Manganese projects globally, by quite a large margin, this almost 10 year old project, across the road from the brown coal Chvaletice Power Station, just lost it's main canary.

Chvaletice Power Station has been the subject of environmental protests, partly due to its hefty emissions of pollutants like sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and mercury. It's one of those coal plants that's still chugging along, polluting the air with the efficiency of a Victorian steam engine, but without the aesthetic appeal.

Dr James, I'd also abort this ship, and wish you all of the best personally.

You have escaped with your life intact.

Section 2

Battery grade Manganese market prices in China.

Mn-Sulphate: ( > 32% Mn contents): ~ $ 745

Mn3O4 : ( > 70% Mn contents): ~ $ 1,532

(All prices in USD, EXW China & excl. VAT at 13%, and effective as on 07 November?2024, Source: SMM)

Section 3.

Battery Chemistry R & D

Chapter 13

LMFP Economic Aspects:

Introduction

In the previous chapter, we explored the environmental impact and sustainability of LMFP batteries. We learned about the importance of life-cycle assessment, sustainable sourcing and production practices, and the adoption of circular economy principles in minimizing the environmental footprint of these batteries.

Building upon that foundation, this chapter will delve into the economic aspects of LMFP batteries.

We will examine:

1. cost competitiveness,
2. market potential,
3. and the factors influencing their adoption in various applications.

Understanding Cost Competitiveness

Cost competitiveness is a critical factor in determining the commercial viability and widespread adoption of LMFP batteries. It refers to the ability of these batteries to deliver superior performance and value at a price point that is competitive with other energy storage technologies.

?LMFP batteries have several cost advantages compared to other lithium-ion chemistries. One key factor is the use of manganese and iron in the cathode material. These elements are more abundant and less expensive than other metals like cobalt or nickel, which are commonly used in other battery types.

This means that LMFP batteries can be produced at a lower cost without sacrificing performance.?

Researchers at Tsinghua University have conducted extensive cost analyses of LMFP batteries, comparing them with other lithium-ion technologies. Their findings, published in the Journal of Power Sources, reveal that LMFP batteries have the potential to achieve cost parity with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, which are currently one of the most cost-competitive options in the market .

Moreover, the study highlights the importance of economies of scale in driving down the cost of LMFP batteries. As production volumes increase and manufacturing processes become more efficient, the cost of LMFP batteries is expected to decrease further, making them even more competitive in the energy storage market.

Market Potential and Adoption

The market potential for LMFP batteries is vast and diverse, spanning across various applications and industries. From electric vehicles and consumer electronics to stationary energy storage and grid-scale systems, LMFP batteries have the potential to revolutionize the way we store and use energy.?

• Electric Vehicles (EVs)

The electric vehicle market is one of the most promising areas for LMFP battery adoption. As the demand for longer-range and more affordable EVs grows, LMFP batteries offer a compelling solution.

Their high energy density and cost-effectiveness make them well-suited for powering the next generation of electric cars, buses, and trucks.

?A market analysis conducted by Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) projects that the share of LMFP batteries in the EV market will increase significantly in the coming years . The report highlights the potential for LMFP batteries to capture a substantial portion of the EV battery market, competing with other established chemistries like NMC and LFP.

• Consumer Electronics

LMFP batteries also have significant potential in the consumer electronics market. As our devices become more powerful and feature-rich, the need for high-performance and long-lasting batteries becomes increasingly important.

LMFP batteries, with their high energy density and excellent safety profile, are well-positioned to meet the demanding requirements of modern consumer electronics.?

Researchers at Peking University have investigated the application of LMFP batteries in smartphones, laptops, and wearable devices. Their findings, published in the Journal of Materials Chemistry A, demonstrate the superior performance and longevity of LMFP batteries compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries in these applications .

• Stationary Energy Storage

Stationary energy storage is another key market for LMFP batteries. As the world transitions towards renewable energy sources like solar and wind, the need for efficient and cost-effective energy storage solutions becomes paramount.

LMFP batteries, with their long cycle life and high energy density, are well-suited for stationary storage applications, from residential and commercial systems to grid-scale installations.

?A report by Wood Mackenzie projects that the global stationary energy storage market will experience significant growth in the coming decade, driven by the increasing adoption of renewable energy and the need for grid stability .

The report highlights the potential for LMFP batteries to capture a substantial share of this market, competing with other energy storage technologies like lithium-ion, flow batteries, and pumped hydro storage.

Factors Influencing Adoption

Several factors influence the adoption of LMFP batteries in various applications. These include technological advancements, policy support, and market dynamics.

Technological Advancements

Continuous advancements in LMFP battery technology are crucial for driving their adoption. Researchers and industry players are focusing on improving the energy density, cycle life, and safety of LMFP batteries through innovations in cathode materials, electrolytes, and cell design.

For example, researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences have developed a novel LMFP cathode material with a hierarchical porous structure, which enhances the battery's energy density and rate capability . Such advancements make LMFP batteries more attractive for a wider range of applications, from high-performance EVs to fast-charging consumer electronics.

?

Policy Support

Policy support plays a vital role in promoting the adoption of LMFP batteries. Governments around the world are implementing policies and incentives to encourage the transition to clean energy and sustainable transportation. These policies include subsidies for EV purchases, tax credits for energy storage installations, and targets for renewable energy adoption.

China, in particular, has been at the forefront of policy support for LMFP batteries. The Chinese government has implemented a range of measures, including research and development funding, manufacturing subsidies, and market incentives, to accelerate the development and deployment of LMFP batteries in various applications .

?

Market Dynamics

Market dynamics, such as supply and demand, competition, and consumer preferences, also influence the adoption of LMFP batteries. As the demand for energy storage solutions grows, particularly in the EV and renewable energy sectors, the market for LMFP batteries is expected to expand rapidly.

Moreover, the increasing competition among battery manufacturers and the entry of new players in the LMFP market are driving innovation and cost reduction. This competitive landscape is expected to further accelerate the adoption of LMFP batteries across various applications.

Conclusion

In this chapter, we explored the economic aspects of LMFP batteries, focusing on their cost competitiveness, market potential, and the factors influencing their adoption. We learned that LMFP batteries have significant cost advantages compared to other lithium-ion chemistries, thanks to the use of abundant and less expensive materials like manganese and iron.

We also discovered the vast market potential for LMFP batteries, spanning from electric vehicles and consumer electronics to stationary energy storage. The increasing demand for high-performance and cost-effective energy storage solutions, coupled with supportive policies and technological advancements, is expected to drive the widespread adoption of LMFP batteries in the coming years.

?In the next chapter,

we will delve into the safety and reliability aspects of LMFP batteries. We will explore the unique safety features of these batteries, the testing and certification processes they undergo, and the strategies for ensuring their reliable performance in various applications.

Glossary

- Cost competitiveness: The ability of a product or technology to deliver superior value at a price point that is competitive with alternatives in the market.

- Cathode material: The positive electrode in a battery, which determines the battery's energy density, voltage, and other key performance characteristics.

- Economies of scale: The cost advantages that arise from increased production volumes, leading to lower per-unit costs.

- Energy density: The amount of energy stored per unit volume or weight of a battery.

- Cycle life: The number of charge-discharge cycles a battery can undergo before its capacity falls below a certain threshold, typically 80% of its initial capacity.

Section 4.

?? China's LMFP Revolution: The Scale of Change

(part 3 of 5)

Let's talk about scale - because the numbers we're seeing from China's battery industry are absolutely transforming the electric vehicle landscape.

By 2025, here's what's coming:

- Total production:

More than 300 gigawatt-hours annually

(That's enough to power millions of electric vehicles)

The major players are building massive facilities:

• - CATL: 120 GWh facility (think of it as 1.5 million car batteries yearly)
• - SVOLT: 40 GWh plant
• - BYD: 20 GWh production center
• - Gotion: 20 GWh facility.

But it's not just about size - these new batteries perform better too:

• - 20% more energy than current LFP batteries
• - Work better in cold weather (75% power at -20°C when others give only 60%)
• - Higher voltage means more efficient power delivery

What does this mean for the future?

By 2033, these advanced batteries will power 1 in 4 electric vehicles globally. That's a massive shift from where we are today.

Curious about the technology behind these numbers?

That's coming in Part 4 ??

#EVBatteries #Manufacturing #Innovation #Sustainability

Cheers for now,

Magnus.

https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/magnus-bekker/