Can the Democratic Republic of the Congo produce lithium-ion battery cathode precursor materials?

London and Kinshasa, November 24, 2021 – The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) can leverage its abundant cobalt resources and hydroelectric power to become a low-cost and low-emissions producer of lithium-ion battery cathode precursor materials.

How much would a DRC plant cost?

This is three times cheaper than what a similar plant in the U.S. would cost. A similar plant in China and Poland would cost an estimated $112 million and $65 million, respectively. Precursor material produced at plants in the DRC could be cost competitive with material produced in China and Poland but with a lower environmental footprint.

How much cobalt does the DRC produce?

“The DRC produces about 70 per cent of global cobalt but captures just 3 percent of the battery and electric vehicle value chain.

How is coltan sold in the DRC?

However, unlike drugs and diamonds, coltan from the DRC is sold to consumers in innocuous electronic products such as cell phones, laptops, video game consoles and mp3 players.

Are tantalum capacitors recyclable?

EE Time Supply Network, April 14, 2003, According to Firman, the trend towards miniaturization has also decreased recycling as tantalum capacitors are smaller and more integrated in the circuits. Carl Firman. “Tantalum: Charged for business.”

Why is the DRC a cost competitive country?

“The DRC’s cost competitiveness comes from its relatively cheap access to land and low engineering, procurement and construction, or EPC, cost compared to the U.S., Poland and China,” said Kwasi Ampofo, lead author of the report and BNEF’s head of metals and mining.