BHP boosts its premium nickel sales
Move signals that the world’s biggest miner is targeting opportunities in electric-car sector
BHP Billiton is boosting sales of the top-quality nickel used in electric-vehicle (EV) batteries as the world’s biggest miner targets more opportunities in the booming sector. Sales of refined nickel, a category that includes premium products used for battery production, were 18% higher in the September quarter than in the previous matching quarter, according to a statement on Wednesday. The company has begun offering more detailed data on nickel and cobalt production amid investor interest in its exposure to the rise of EVs. BHP’s Nickel West operation in Western Australia aims to sell 90% of output to the battery sector by the end of 2019, switching away from a traditional customer base in the stainless-steel market. Laboratory tests are being used to develop methods to produce cobalt sulphate, another key material for rechargeable batteries.
The nickel sector was becoming a two-tiered market, with a weaker outlook for materials bound for the stainless steel industry and rob...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.