Mining giant BHP says it reached an agreement with Automotive Data of China (ADC) to support a research project on the future electrification of transport in China. ADC is a subsidiary of the Chinese automobile technological research institute, CATARC, Kallanish notes.

The two-year partnership in the so-called Development of energy-saving and new energy vehicles project includes the development of the manufacturing value-chain, products improvement, battery chemistry, technical performance and a long-range outlook for electrification.

“We are confident about the outlook for EVs in China, with a world-leading policy-manufacturing-infrastructure-consumer eco-system in place to support rapid adoption,” says Huw McKay, BHP’s vice-president Market Analysis & Economics. “As one of the major global suppliers of nickel, BHP is well-positioned to help EVs thrive in the world’s largest auto market.”

BHP estimates that Chinese demand for high-quality nickel sulphate will sharply surge in the coming years as the trend towards electric mobility further advances.

“Deep change is underway in the automotive industry, as energy-saving and new energy vehicles continue to be a priority for the strategic development of the Chinese automotive industry over the next few years, playing a key role in achieving carbon neutrality in the sector,” ADC general manager, Feng Yi, comments.

BHP produces some of the highest quality and lowest carbon nickel in the world. Over 75% of the miner’s nickel sales are destined to electric battery suppliers.