LLBS completes battery precursor plant in South Korea

Core Insights - LS-L&F Battery Solution (LLBS) has completed the construction of a new battery materials plant in the Saemangeum industrial complex, South Korea [1] - The facility, costing KRW 1 trillion (approximately US$ 708 million), is set to begin trial production in Q4 2025, with an initial capacity of 20,000 tons of battery precursor materials per year, aiming to expand to 120,000 tons by 2029 [2] - The plant will play a strategic role in localizing the precursor supply chain and reducing dependence on China, enhancing the trust of global clients by supplying cathode materials for various electric vehicles and energy storage systems [4] Production Capacity and Timeline - The new facility will start commercial production early next year, contingent on the completion of a nearby nickel sulfate feeder plant by LS Group's affiliate, LS MnM, which is expected to have a production capacity of 62,000 tons by 2029 [3] - The planned expansion to 120,000 tons of precursor materials will be sufficient to support the production of 1.3 million electric vehicles [2] Strategic Importance - The Saemangeum plant is positioned as a strategic hub amid a global reorganization of the precursor supply chain, aiming to strengthen supply reliability for premium and mass-market electric vehicles as well as large-scale energy storage systems [4]