Nano One Materials Corp (TSX:NANO, OTC:NNOMF) has updated investors on its plans for commercializing its lithium iron phosphate (LFP), nickel-rich (NMC), and manganese-rich (LNMO) cathode active materials (CAM), including plans for piloting and commercialization.
In a statement, Nano One CEO Dan Blondal commented: "Cathode materials are the most expensive and strategically important part of the battery because of the critical mineral and raw material inputs, and the related processes to combine them. We must develop and commercialize new processes to become masters of our own supply chains and to avoid the pitfalls of entrenched and outdated processes in use today.
"Contrary to emerging narratives, a secure and reliable LFP supply chain can be built entirely within the context of North America, and it is incumbent on governments to incentivize short, medium, and long-term investment in the development of large-scale domestic cathode production."
Nano One aims to become a master of its own supply chains by developing and commercializing new processes to address security of supply, environmental stewardship, and responsible raw material sourcing. The company also aims to capture a meaningful portion of large emerging CAM markets in North America, Europe and the Indo-Pacific region.
Nano One is retrofitting its newly acquired Candiac facility in Québec with its One-Pot reactors and technology, which will be commissioned at 200 tons per annum in Q3 2023, ramping up to as much as 2,000 tons per annum.
Nickel and manganese-based cathode materials play an equally important role in Nano One's growth strategy, and the company is applying its technologies and collaborating with multiple strategic partners to address the need for greater supply chain security, cost reductions, and environmental protection.
The company also has engineering work underway for a separate 100-tonne per annum NMC and LNMO pilot facility. Nano One will send product from piloting to partners and potential customers for validation, qualification, offtake, and possibly first revenues, and will also inform the design, construction, and operation of its LFP Commercial Demo Plant.
The pilot and the demo plant will be launch pads for evaluation, training, offtake, production, first revenues, and rapid growth to meet the needs of its collaborators, partners, and growing list of potential customers.
Nano One intends to build the Commercial Demo Plant adjacent to the existing Pilot facility, subject to engineering results and available utilities.
Contact the author at jon.hopkins@proactiveinvestors.com