Regional Nickel: Panasonic, CSIRO collaborate on nickel processing for lithium-ion batteries

By Alexander Ginting

Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd., a Panasonic Group Company, announced on Friday a strategic partnership with Australia's national science agency, CSIRO, to develop advanced nickel laterite processing technologies aimed at enhancing lithium-ion battery production.

The agreement focuses on creating efficient, low-cost, and environmentally friendly methods to recover nickel from laterite ores, which are abundant in Australia. This collaboration is expected to lay the groundwork for a sustainable and robust supply chain for Panasonic's battery business, leveraging CSIRO's mineral processing expertise and Panasonic's extensive knowledge of battery materials.

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Through this joint development, Panasonic and CSIRO aim to strengthen Australia's position in the global nickel market, which is crucial for producing high-capacity batteries. With the world's second-largest reserves of nickel, Australia is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for lithium-ion batteries, particularly with eco-friendly extraction processes.

"Panasonic Energy is committed to fostering collaborations like this one with CSIRO, driving advancements in the global lithium-ion battery industry, and ultimately contributing to a more sustainable society," said a Panasonic Energy spokesperson.

Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak