PERTH (miningweekly.com) – Diversified miner BHP on Monday announced that it had inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with hybrid battery producer Prime Planet Energy & Solutions (PPES) and Toyota Tsusho Corporation (TTC) for the creation of a green electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem that will enhance sustainability, recyclability and traceability. 

BHP will supply PPES with nickel sulphate from its recently constructed Nickel West facility in Western Australia, enabling PPES to develop lower carbon batteries that will be supplied to EV manufacturers, including Toyota.

Toyota Motor Corporation Australia (TMCA) and Nickel West will also collaborate on EV supply on the back of a successful EV trial in December 2020.  

Under the MoU, the companies will work to identify ways to make the Japanese battery supply chain more sustainable by lowering carbon emissions in battery value chains. The parties also intend to identify ways to implement standards for end-to-end raw materials traceability, ethical sourcing and human rights reporting. 

The parties will also explore the possibility of recycling battery scrap and used batteries at BHP’s Nickel West for further processing and production of nickel bearing products. 

“Creating a green EV ecosystem is something that could make a real difference for the battery supply chain. Together with PPES and TTC, we are taking the next step in creating a more sustainable, transparent industry and one that is working collectively to lift standards and reduce emissions.  It starts with the raw material and we are delighted to supply PPES with nickel sulphate in this partnership where we will work together, with TTC, to create long-term success and sustainability,” said BHP chief commercial officer Vandita Pant.

BHP Nickel West asset president Jessica Farrell noted that demand for nickel in batteries is estimated to grow by over 500% over the next decade to support increasing demand for electric vehicles.

“We have invested in our Nickel West facilities and power agreements so that we can now deliver some of the world’s most sustainable and lowest carbon emission nickel to customers. We are excited to work with our partners to potentially increase the use of electric vehicles at our operations and further advance our sustainability agenda.” 

BHP last week produced its first nickel sulphate crystals at its Kwinana plant, in Western Australia, marking a first for Australia.

The plant would produce some 100 000 t/y of nickel sulphate, enough product to make 700 000 EV batteries each year.