Jorf Lasfar's key role in electric vehicle battery materials production

Monday 27 January 2025 - 16:05

Jorf Lasfar's industrial port, a cornerstone of Morocco's economy, has reached a significant milestone with the inauguration of the first production lines for Nickel Cobalt Manganese (NCM) used in Precursor Cathode Active Materials (PCAM). This development is driven by Cobco, a subsidiary of the Al Mada group, in partnership with the Chinese company CNGR Advanced Material Company.

The newly established facility employs cutting-edge technologies to produce vital materials for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Adhering to strict environmental standards, Cobco aims to balance industrial performance with sustainability. The goal is to reduce carbon emissions while meeting the growing demand for clean energy.

The initial production lines are part of a broader development plan that targets an annual output of 120 kilotonnes of PCAM. In addition to NCM, Cobco plans to expand its operations to include factories for lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathode materials and black mass recycling. These facilities are expected to produce a combined 70 GWh, enough to power over a million electric vehicles annually.

Cobco is committed to establishing a complete circular system for battery materials in Morocco. This approach is designed to minimize waste and maximize sustainability while leveraging the country’s renewable energy capacity. By 2026, all of Cobco’s operations are expected to be powered by green energy sources, further reinforcing Morocco's commitment to a decarbonized economy.

“This commissioning marks the beginning of a new era for Cobco and Morocco’s role in the global electric vehicle supply chain,” stated Allen Luo, CEO of Cobco. He emphasized that the company is dedicated to building a high-quality, low-carbon industrial base that meets customer needs and sets new sustainability standards in battery material manufacturing.