BASF signed an agreement to secure land for its future cathode active materials (CAM) and recycling site in Bécancour, Québec, Canada, as part of its commitment to support North American producers in their transition to e-mobility. A regional supply chain is critical to ensure reliable and resilient battery materials supply.

BASF signed an agreement to secure land for its future cathode active materials and battery recycling site along Saint Lawrence River in Bécancour, Quebec, Canada. Photo courtesy of SPIPB (Société du parc industriel et portuaire de Bécancour).

The investment is intended to further enhance BASF’s CAM production footprint in North America by complementing its existing manufacturing sites. The new site allows for ample space to expand up to 100 kt CAM per year with potential for fully integrated precursor cathode active materials (PCAM) supply.

The site will also be well connected to BASF’s global metal sourcing network with provision for a nickel and cobalt intermediates base metal refinery and recycling of all battery metals (including lithium).

The opportunity for potential future upstream investment integration supports BASF’s strategy to build an integrated, closed-loop battery materials ecosystem in all key regions.

Project planning is progressing and subject to necessary approvals, BASF targets project commissioning in 2025.

With new investments in electric vehicles and supporting infrastructure being announced continuously in North America, we are pleased to pursue our own investment in the region. This land acquisition is a necessary prerequisite to further advance our strategy to grow our footprint in key regions to better serve our customer’s operations with sustainable and reliable local supply. We look forward to supporting the e-mobility transition in the United States, Canada, Mexico and beyond.

—Dr. Peter Schuhmacher, President, Catalysts division

With an ideal location along the Saint Lawrence River between Montreal and Quebec City, the new site offers favorable conditions for highly efficient logistics and it would rely on competitive hydropower to further reduce the carbon footprint of its products compared to the industry average.

General Motors and POSCO Chemical also announced that they are working with the governments of Canada and Québec to build a new $400-million facility in Bécancour to produce CAM for GM’s Ultium batteries, which will power electric vehicles such as the Chevrolet Silverado EV, GMC HUMMER EV and Cadillac LYRIQ. (Earlier post.)