Umicore primarily uses nickel in the production of battery cathode materials, the battery components that store and release energy. Nickel is an active material in lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, which power smartphones, e-bikes and – in large volumes – electric vehicles (EVs), making it an increasingly important material as the world shifts toward electrification. Higher nickel content increases energy density in batteries, which helps vehicles drive farther on a single charge. As EV battery manufacturers replace high-cobalt designs with nickel-rich chemistries to improve energy density, performance and recyclability, nickel is becoming a smart and strategic material for next-generation batteries.
Umicore’s refining, recycling and production footprint concerning nickel is global, with facilities in China, Belgium, the US, and the Philippines. Recycling at Umicore’s Hoboken plant enables the recovery of nickel from scrap materials, residues from primary production, end-of-life li-ion batteries and battery production scrap. The aim is to create a closed loop, which not only supports sustainability but also addresses supply chain risks associated with geopolitical tensions and environmental impacts in primary mining regions.Â
Nickel’s versatility is reflected in its use across multiple Umicore business units, from Battery Cathode Materials, to Battery Recycling Solutions, Cobalt and Specialty Materials, Precious Metals Refining, Thin Film Products and Metal Deposition Solutions.Â
