China Minmetals Sets Up Graphite Unit in Battery Materials Push

China Minmetals Corp, one of the country's largest state-owned miners, has announced that it has established a graphite subsidiary in Heilongjiang province, as it continues its expansion into battery materials.

The announcement follows China's push to develop its new energy sector and increase its dominance in global electric vehicle production, which requires large amounts of battery materials such as graphite.

According to the company's statement, the newly-established subsidiary will focus on the conceptual design, engineering, and construction of graphite mining and processing projects that will cater to the growing demand for high-quality graphite products.

Graphite, a material made up of layers of carbon atoms, is used in the manufacture of lithium-ion batteries, which power electric vehicles, mobile phones, and other portable electronic devices.

According to reports, China currently produces over 60 percent of the world's graphite, yet these supplies are often of poor quality and are not suited to the high-end graphite requirements necessary for electric vehicle batteries.

While China Minmetals did not disclose the amount of investment allocated to the new subsidiary or the scheduled timeline of the project, the company's strategic focus on new energy products underscores the growing importance of battery materials to China's economy.

The establishment of the graphite subsidiary also comes shortly after China Minmetals announced its plan to merge with state-owned metals trader China National Gold Group, in a move that would create one of the world's largest gold and base metals companies.

In recent years, China has intensified its efforts to reduce its dependence on foreign sources of critical minerals, including graphite. These efforts have led to the establishment of the country's first large-scale graphite mine in the city of Pingdu in the eastern province of Shandong.

According to industry insiders, China has also been exploring the possibility of developing a graphite mine in Mozambique, which could provide it with additional high-quality graphite supplies.

As China seeks to reduce its reliance on imported raw materials and position itself as a global leader in new energy technologies, the development of domestic graphite resources will become increasingly important.

With its new Heilongjiang subsidiary and ongoing efforts to expand its graphite mining operations, China Minmetals is well-positioned to take advantage of the growing demand for graphite and other battery materials, both at home and abroad.

SJZ CHEM-PHARM CO., LTD: A Leading Supplier of Chemical Materials

Meanwhile, China's chemical industry continues to expand, with Shijiazhuang-based SJZ CHEM-PHARM CO., LTD playing a key role in the sector.

Established in 2001, SJZ CHEM-PHARM CO., LTD is a major manufacturer and exporter of food additives, industrial chemicals, and pharmaceutical intermediates.

The company has invested heavily in research and development, and has been awarded the ISO9001 quality system certificate for its commitment to quality assurance.