EcoGraf, VinES establish Australia-Vietnam cooperation in battery production

Australia-based EcoGraf and Vietnam-based VinES have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) on a feasibility study for localization of battery anode material (BAM) in Vietnam.

In a Monday release, EcoGraf said it would evaluate the potential to combine localized graphite material supply in Vietnam with future feedstock from its Epanko Graphite project in Tanzania.

Per the agreement, EcoGraf will support VinES, the battery-maker subsidiary of Vietnamese private conglomerate Vingroup, by utilizing the former’s graphite expertise and U.S. patented battery anode material processing technology; while the latter will provide its battery material supply chain logistics, in-country expertise, manufacturing and construction capability in Vietnam.

VinES and EcoGraf will initially assess and qualify local Vietnam graphite suppliers with a view to incorporating domestic production into the supply chain. Later, the two will conduct a feasibility study on a proposed BAM facility. Based upon positive results, the two parties will enter into commercial arrangements for development, construction and operation of the new BAM facility.

The new opportunity is consistent with EcoGraf’s strategy of developing downstream supply chains within the global battery manufacturing hubs through the support of major battery and EV manufacturers, the firm said.

The ability to incorporate local BAM feedstock offers numerous advantages through lower production and transport costs. The potential also exists to combine the company’s Epanko graphite with Vietnam materials to develop a scalable localised supply chain, the Australian firm added.