In a landmark agreement, Trinitan Green Energy Metals (TGEM), headquartered in Jakarta, Indonesia, and Battery Grade Materials (BGM), headquartered in Joplin, Missouri, USA, have formalized their collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) dated November 13, 2023. This MoU marks a significant step in developing a sustainable Class 1 Nickel supply chain, crucial for the burgeoning Electric Vehicle (EV) market in the US and Europe.
The collaboration establishes a 50/50 Joint Venture (US JV) in the United States, integrating TGEM's innovative Step Temperature Acid Leach Technology (STAL Technology) for Nickel Laterite processing with BGM's expertise in Nickel/Zinc battery materials and its connections within the US defense, infrastructure, and battery materials industries.
The US JV will focus on two concurrent phases:
1. Development of a Research & Development Center of Excellence in the US, colocated with the JV Processing Facility. This center will drive advancements in Nickel/Zinc technologies for applications in EV batteries, infrastructure, defense, energy, and related sectors; and,
2. Creation of a Class 1 Nickel downstream production facility (JV Processing Facility), producing Nickel Hydroxide, Nickel Sulphate, and high-purity Nickel Powder. These products will cater to diverse industries, including the US EV battery supply chain, energy storage, electronic components, and special programs under the US Department of Defense.
TGEM will supply the JV Processing Facility with Mixed Hydroxide Precipitate (MHP) for refinement into primary products, supporting the US EV battery supply chain and related industries. Additionally, BGM will provide land adjacent to the Æsir Technologies Nickel/Zinc Gigafactory targeted to open in 2025, for the establishment of the R&D Center and JV Processing Facility.
Parallel to the US JV, TGEM and BGM are committed to developing a Class 1 Nickel processing facility in Albania (the Albania Project), utilizing TGEM’s STAL Technology. This project aims to produce MHP for the EU and Western European EV supply chains.
Richard Tandiono, Executive Chairman of TGEM, stated, “This strategic partnership with BGM not only strengthens our position in the global Nickel supply chain but also reinforces our commitment to sustainable practices and innovation. The US JV and Albania Project represent significant strides in our mission to support the EV transition in the US and Europe.”
Craig Wilkins, President and CEO of BGM, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership adding “TGEM’s technology aligns with our commitment to sustainable mineral extraction processes while aligning with the Western market’s commitment to securing a supply of critical minerals under the US Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).”
This MoU evidences the intent of both parties to proceed rapidly towards these ambitious projects, setting a new standard in the sustainable production and supply of Class 1 Nickel products.
About BGM
Battery Grade Materials (BGM) is a specialty materials supplier to the battery and advanced electronics industry. The Company has developed proprietary processes to produce low-cost
Nickel Hydroxide, Cobalt, Zinc Oxide and Calcium Zincate that meet the needs of the battery industry. To learn more about Battery Grade Materials, go to https://bgmaterials.com/.
About TGEM
With over 50 years of experience in energy solutions, Trinitan Green Energy Metals (TGEM) is an innovative, R&D and technology-driven provider of metal and mineral processing services. TGEM is determined to create efficiency while delivering sustainability and social responsibility to Indonesian communities and the Company’s customers around the globe. To learn more about Trinitan Green Energy Metals go to https://tgem.group/.
Image source: TGEM
Source: TGEM
