On September 25, 2024, ICL, a prominent global specialty minerals company, announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Orbia Advance Corp., S.A.B. de C.V. Fluor & Energy Materials (OF&EM) to bolster their involvement in the North American battery materials supply chain. This MOU establishes a framework for ICL’s Industrial Products division to supply phosphorus trichloride (PCl3) to OF&EM, which will utilize this critical material in the production of lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6) at its upcoming manufacturing facility in St. Gabriel, Louisiana.

ICL is recognized as a leading global supplier of PCl3, producing the high-quality chemical at its facilities in Gallipolis Ferry, West Virginia, and Bitterfeld, Germany. This partnership is a significant step for both companies as they work to enhance the electrification of transportation and stationary applications, while also bringing production of this essential battery component to North America. By optimizing the performance, efficiency, and safety of batteries used in consumer electronics, energy storage, and other applications, ICL and OF&EM aim to strengthen the region’s battery manufacturing capabilities.

Anantha Desikan, ICL’s Executive Vice President and Chief Innovation and Technology Officer, highlighted the synergies between the two companies, stating, “Just as our Phosphate Solutions division’s expertise in specialty phosphates facilitated ICL’s entry into LFP battery materials in China and the U.S., Orbia Fluor & Energy Materials’ proficiency in fluorine technologies makes them an ideal partner for LiPF6 solutions.” This collaboration marks ICL’s second expansion into the North American energy storage supply chain, further enhancing its battery materials operations through the Industrial Products division.

Miki Oljaca, Vice President of the Energy Materials Business for Orbia, emphasized the importance of such strategic partnerships, stating, “Partnerships like the one between Orbia and ICL are vital for establishing a secure and resilient domestic supply chain for various types of lithium-ion batteries.” He noted that the planned LiPF6 facility in St. Gabriel will be the first of its kind in the U.S., significantly contributing to domestic electric vehicle production.

In October 2022, ICL and OF&EM received funding from the U.S. Department of Energy to expand domestic battery manufacturing capabilities for energy storage and electric vehicles, aiming to reduce reliance on imported materials and components. This collaboration represents a crucial advancement in establishing a more self-sufficient battery materials supply chain in North America.

ICL Group is a prominent global specialty minerals company dedicated to providing effective solutions for sustainability challenges in the food, agriculture, and industrial sectors. The company utilizes its unique resources in bromine, potash, and phosphate, along with its skilled global workforce and R&D capabilities focused on sustainability and technological innovation, to foster growth across its various markets.