Mitra Chem, Sun Chemical in battery deal

Mitra Chem, a specialist in lithium-ion battery materials, has formed a joint project with inks and pigments giant Sun Chemical to develop the first iron phosphate mass production capability in North America. This will be co-located with Mitra Chem's lithium iron phosphate (LFP) production.

The project will draw on Sun Chemical’s experience in advanced particle engineering and technologies for LFP in automotive pigments. Mitra Chem will contribute its capabilities in high-throughput development and materials testing. The two have already achieved a proof-of-concept material and are optimising a waste-free process.

Currently, all battery-grade FP and LFP is sourced outside the US, with 99% coming from China. Mitra Chem CEO Vivas Kumar commented: “This partnership marks a turning point in US design, innovation and production of critical electric vehicle battery components.”