Japanese company Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation recently announced its plan to expand production capacity of electric vehicle lithium-ion battery natural graphite anode materials in China, as well as in some western countries.

Mitsubishi Chemical claims this kind of materials is more environmentally friendly comparing to the artificial graphite ones mainly due to its relatively less greenhouse gas emissions during production. It The life cycle is also considered to be more ideal. 

According to its press release on 30 May, Mitsubishi Chemical intends to ramp up its production capacity of this kind of materials at Qingdao Anode Kasei and Qingdao Lingda Kasei, its two holding subsidiaries in China, from 2,000 tonnes/year to 12,000 t/y. It has recently enhanced the related production lines, which are scheduled to start operation in the first half of fiscal 2023, Kallanish learns. 

Qingdao Anode Kasei is entirely owned by Mitsubishi Chemical and is mainly engaged in the production and sales of anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. Qingdao Lingda Kasei is a joint venture of Mitsubishi Chemical (49%), Qingdao Gr-Taida Carbon (37%) and Meiwa Corporation (14%). It is mainly engaged in the production and sales of spherical graphite for anode materials. Both companies were established in 2010 and are located in Qingdao City, Shandong Province of China. 

In May, Mitsubishi Chemical also signed memorandum of understandings with Syrah Resources and Mineral Commodities. The latter two companies are also key market players in the graphitised anode material field and both have operations in western countries, such as the US, Australia and Norway.