CBMM, a provider of niobium products, has launched a niobium-based anode production facility in Brazil.
Located in Araxá, the plant is designed to produce 2,000t of Echion Technologies' XNO active anode material annually, equating to one gigawatt-hour of lithium-ion (Li-ion) cells.
It is reputed to be the largest niobium-based anode production facility in the world.
Echion's XNO material allows Li-ion batteries to charge rapidly while maintaining high energy density and power over an extended life cycle.
This technology is particularly beneficial for heavy-duty and mass-transport vehicles, improving productivity and reducing ownership costs.
The strategic partnership between CBMM and Echion aims to meet the growing global demand for XNO and ensure a stable supply chain.
As part of this strategic initiative, CBMM plans to expand its niobium oxide production capacity to 20,000t by 2030, specifically for battery applications.
Echion Technologies CEO Jean de La Verpilliere said: “The opening of this production plant creates robust supply capacity to meet the significant commercial demand we have for XNO.
“XNO is already having a positive impact on our cell manufacturing customers, downstream OEMs and end-users.
“Echion is beginning to trade at scale, and that is a major milestone for company growth. I would like to thank CBMM for their ongoing partnership with Echion to bring XNO to mass production.”
CBMM has set a target to generate 30% of its revenue from non-steel products by the end of this decade.
The company invests around 250m reais ($43.37m) annually in its technology programme, emphasising the development of niobium-enhanced anodes that boost battery efficiency and longevity.
CBMM CEO Ricardo Lima said: “At CBMM, we anticipate significant growth in the battery sector in the coming years.
“Therefore, we are proud to celebrate the fruits of this partnership, which reinforces our sustainability plan and aligns with global trends toward decarbonisation and the promotion of electrification.
“This inauguration is milestone in our history, enabling CBMM to keep transforming science into technology, and technology into business.”
