Global mining giant Glencore has announced a long-term strategic partnership for the supply of responsibly sourced cobalt with battery startup Britishvolt. Glencore has also made an undisclosed investment in Britishvolt. 

By securing a supply of a key battery ingredient from Glencore, Britishvolt hopes to significantly derisk its operations.

David Brocas, Head Cobalt Trader for Glencore, commented, “As the mobility and energy transition accelerates, so does future demand for battery metals such as cobalt, copper and nickel. Glencore is already a leading producer and supplier of these metals.”

“Cobalt is a key ingredient in electric vehicle batteries, and knowing that we are being supplied with ethically produced, low-carbon cobalt is a signal to the market that we are living by our values,” said Britishvolt CEO and founder Orral Nadjari. This strategic partnership [includes] applying best practice wherever possible, as well as assessing labour, human rights and ethical procurement performance of our suppliers. We believe that, to be a true pioneer in the battery cell manufacturing industry, business must lead by example and ensure that its supply chains are as ethical, low-carbon and as sustainable as possible.”

Source: Glencore