Jeong-hu Hong, Lead Researcher Today, secondary battery materials are drawing attention as key drivers of future industries such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems. Among them, cathode materials are especially important, accounting for more than 35% of the total cost of the four major battery components—cathode, anode, electrolyte, and separator. This is because cathode materials determine not only a battery’s capacity and output but also its ability to store and release electrical energy.
At the Cathode Material Development Group, POSCO Future M Technology Research Institute, we conduct research on cathode materials, the core of EV batteries, and develop new technologies to bring them into commercial use.

Do-hyeop Park, Principal Researcher Cathode materials can be simply defined as a “source of lithium.” They are produced by combining lithium with precursors made of various metals such as cobalt, manganese, and nickel. The battery’s name, performance, and stability all depend on which metals are used. Batteries such as Lithium Cobalt Oxide (LCO), Nickel Cobalt Manganese (NCM), Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP), and Lithium Manganese Rich (LMR), among many others using different metal combinations, are currently being developed. Our team, in particular, focuses on the development of LMR cathode materials. Recently, General Motors (GM) and Ford announced plans to launch electric vehicles using LMR batteries in 2028 and 2030, respectively, drawing significant attention to LMR in the global automotive market. Our team is fully committed to advancing LMR batteries, which are poised to become game-changers in the electric vehicle industry.

Gwang-eun Jeong, Principal Researcher Among the lithium-ion batteries currently used in electric vehicles, LFP batteries are the most widely adopted. These batteries are predominantly developed technologically by China. While these are highly stable and cost-effective, their energy density is somewhat limited. For instance, at -10°C, their performance drops to only 60–70% of full capacity. To overcome these limitations, a newly developed LMR battery has been introduced. LMR batteries significantly reduce the use of costly cobalt and nickel, while increasing the proportion of more affordable manganese. With higher energy density than LFP, they enable greater battery capacity and performance, significantly extending the driving range of electric vehicles. Moreover, unlike LFP batteries, which are difficult to recycle, LMR batteries offer superior recyclability and high lithium recovery rates.

Jeong-hu Hong, Lead Researcher The LMR battery demonstrates outstanding competitiveness not only in terms of cost and performance but also in sustainability. Of course, despite its many advantages, there are challenges that must be addressed before mass production can be realized. To prevent performance degradation, various technological advancements are required, including maintaining stable average voltages and developing surface coating techniques for cathode materials to suppress unnecessary gas generation. In China, a large-scale LFP mass production system is already in place, making a swift transition to LMR production challenging. As a result, innovative research and development are even more crucial. Our team, after an intricate R&D process, has successfully completed the development of LMR cathode materials and is now focusing on establishing techniques for mass production.

Do-hyeop Park, Principal Researcher We divided the R&D process into laboratory and pilot production stages. In the laboratory stage, we rapidly and accurately explored the basic characteristics and optimal combinations of cathode materials under specific process conditions. Through creativity and experimentation, we successfully identified the best material combinations, reducing costs while enhancing the performance of LMR cathode materials.

Ju-hyeon Yang, Principal Researcher As Do-hyeop Park mentioned, cathode production involves a calcination process, where various metal precursors such as nickel, cobalt, manganese, and aluminum are combined with lithium sources at high temperatures. During this process, we selected a variety of precursor candidates, evaluated their key physical properties, and identified the most promising materials for experimental application. By applying accumulated technical knowledge and analyzing the effects of variables throughout the development process, we successfully optimized LMR cathode materials, evaluating their initial battery capacities and lifespans. Through continuous refinement of material design, process conditions, and experimental testing, we were also able to assess the feasibility of mass production.

Jin-eun Kim, Principal Researcher This is not the end. Even if promising results are achieved in the laboratory, the performance of the developed cathode material may not be fully realized under conditions similar to those of mass production. Therefore, during the pilot stage, we adjusted loading amounts, production volumes, and sintering furnace conditions on lines that closely resemble actual mass production, repeatedly experimenting to identify the optimal production conditions.

Ji-su Kim, Principal Researcher In the laboratory stage, cathode materials can be sintered in quantities of 100 to 200 grams; however, customers occasionally request samples ranging from kilograms to tons. This means that during the pilot stage, cathode materials must be produced stably at the same performance level as those from the laboratory to allow customers to properly verify mass production feasibility. From our perspective, securing the optimal conditions for cathode material production made this stage particularly important.

Jeong-hu Hong, Lead Researcher Together with our team members, we conducted full-scale R&D to enhance the safety of the LMR process. Pilot lines require meticulous adjustment of conditions, as even slight process changes can significantly impact cathode performance. By repeatedly verifying various conditions and applying laboratory-designed firing processes to actual equipment, we achieved stable pilot production of cathodes with performance comparable to that secured in the laboratory, passing customer evaluations and finalizing the technology. Thanks to this work, we were able to secure optimal pre-mass production conditions and improve economic efficiency.

Gwang-eun Jeong, Principal Researcher I remember being quite flustered when we received a request from a customer to deliver pilot samples within just ten days. We had to simultaneously respond to the customer and optimize the material. In that situation, I decided to stay calm and divide roles among the team: I communicated with the customer to gather requirements, while Do-hyeop Park focused on optimizing experimental conditions. Thanks to everyone diligently working in their respective roles, we successfully met the customer’s requested delivery date and ensured proper material quality.

Do-hyeop Park, Principal Researcher At that time, with very little time remaining until the pilot sample delivery, it was challenging not only to produce samples but also to refine the material simultaneously. That’s when Gwang-eun Jeong, our team’s “maestro,” who perfectly coordinates our efforts, efficiently allocated roles. Thanks to this, we managed to produce the samples on time without any issues. It would have been impossible to accomplish this alone.

Jin-eun Kim, Principal Researcher There were moments during the pilot phase when performance fell short of expectations. Although the goals had been achieved in the lab, results in the pilot phase differed significantly, which was perplexing. We then collaborated to meticulously review each process step by step to identify the cause. By theoretically analyzing with Jeong-hu Hong and conducting repeated experiments with adjusted mixing times and sequences, we observed remarkable improvements in performance!

Jeong-hu Hong, Lead Researcher Currently, the global battery market’s core materials and component supply chains remain heavily concentrated in China, making the establishment of independent supply chains a critical task. Our foremost goal is to successfully commercialize LMR batteries with a stable supply chain and robust technical expertise. Moving forward, we plan to actively pursue research and development to create better batteries across multiple aspects, including enhancing material stability, securing cost competitiveness, and improving charge/discharge performance. To achieve this, I will collaborate closely with relevant departments such as production, quality, and sales. Ultimately, our team aims to join forces to successfully mass-produce LMR, a next-generation battery material, and become a future growth engine for the POSCO Group!

Ultra high-nickel cathode materials maximize driving range while enhancing safety and lifespan… also suitable for high-power mobility, including UAM and autonomous driving

High-voltage mid-nickel cathode materials deliver improvements across energy density, cost competitiveness, and safety

Complete cathode material portfolio addresses all vehicle segments… strengthens business competitiveness in the cathode materials market by addressing diverse customer demands

POSCO Future M has strengthened its premium electric vehicle market strategy and now possesses a comprehensive cathode material portfolio capable of addressing premium, standard, and entry-level EV markets.

POSCO Future M has completed the pilot development of ultra-high-nickel cathode materials for premium electric vehicles and high-voltage mid-nickel cathode materials. The company currently produces and supplies premium cathode materials centered on N8x*, and expects to further strengthen its business competitiveness in the cathode materials market by responding to diverse customer demands through mass production and supply of these newly developed materials.

*N8x: High-nickel cathode materials with nickel content of 80% or higher

Ultra-high-nickel cathode materials are premium materials that maximize driving range by increasing energy density with nickel content of 95% or higher. POSCO Future M is developing these materials to supply premium electric vehicles in key advanced markets, such as the United States and Europe, as well as urban air mobility (UAM), which is gaining attention as a future transportation option. As the expansion of AI utilization in mobility and the advancement of autonomous driving capabilities require substantial power consumption, the demand for ultra-high-nickel cathode materials that maximize energy density is expected to increase significantly.

While ultra-high-nickel cathode materials have relatively low thermal stability and shorter battery life due to their high nickel content, POSCO Future M has secured the required performance by combining single-crystal materials—which bond key raw materials into unified particle structures—with existing polycrystalline materials. Single-crystal materials exhibit robust particle structures with minimal cracking during charge-discharge cycles, and their structural stability has been further enhanced through the addition of auxiliary materials and surface coating of these materials. Cost competitiveness has also been secured through improved productivity in calcination processes.

POSCO Future M has also completed the pilot development of high-voltage mid-nickel cathode materials, targeting the standard electric vehicle market. High-voltage mid-nickel cathode materials reduce the proportion of expensive nickel to approximately 60%, while addressing the resulting decrease in energy density through high-voltage operation. Safety has been further enhanced by increasing the manganese content and implementing single-crystallization to minimize expansion and contraction during charge-discharge cycles. Additionally, cost competitiveness is enhanced by using co-precipitation-free precursors* during manufacturing, reducing expensive nickel content and cobalt in raw materials, and substituting inexpensive lithium carbonate for lithium hydroxide.

*Co-precipitation-free precursor: Precursor manufactured by omitting the co-precipitation process that mixes complexing agents and modifiers into metal solutions containing dissolved key precursor raw materials such as nickel, cobalt, and manganese

Following the pilot development of ultra-high-nickel and high-voltage mid-nickel cathode materials, POSCO Future M plans to secure mass production technology. This will enable timely production and supply upon request from domestic and international automotive manufacturers and battery companies.

Prior to this, in May, POSCO Future M completed pilot development of LMR cathode materials in collaboration with POSCO Holdings’ POSCO N.EX.T Hub, which oversees POSCO Group R&D, amid announcements by global automakers, including GM and Ford, regarding LMR battery adoption plans, and decided to secure mass production technology within the year. LMR cathode materials are gaining attention as next-generation materials that can rapidly replace the entry-level EV market currently occupied by LFP, as they can utilize existing cathode material production lines and offer superior recycling value compared to LFP cathode materials.

The POSCO Group maintains its policy of leading the future battery industry by conducting research and development on next-generation materials, such as lithium sulfide, solid electrolytes, and lithium metal anodes, at POSCO Holdings’ POSCO N.EX.T Hub.

▲ POSCO Future M has completed pilot development of ultra-high-nickel cathode materials for premium electric vehicles and high-voltage mid-nickel cathode materials. A POSCO Future M researcher is examining ultra-high-nickel cathode material crystals.

Diversifies portfolio to include LMR and LFP in addition to existing ternary high-nickel cathode materials

POSCO Future M signed an MOU with CNGR on the 8th at the POSCO Center in Daechi-dong for pursuing the LFP (lithium-iron-phosphate) cathode material business.

CNGR’s Korean subsidiary, FINO, also participated in this MOU. The three companies will cooperate on the construction of LFP cathode material production facilities for ESS (Energy Storage System) and joint marketing, as per the agreement.

POSCO Future M signed a joint venture agreement (JVA) with CNGR in 2023 to cooperate on precursor production and established C&P Advanced Technology* the following year. This MOU aims to rapidly expand the scope of cooperation from precursor production to LFP cathode materials at the C&P Advanced Technology.

* C&P Advanced Technology ownership structure: CNGR 51%, FINO 29%, POSCO Future M 20%

LFP batteries have a lower output compared to ternary batteries, such as NCM (nickel-cobalt-manganese), but offer advantages of low cost and long lifespan. Recently, they have been increasingly applied in various fields, including ESS and entry-level electric vehicles.

In particular, ESS does not have stringent space and output requirements compared to electric vehicles, and it requires a long lifespan; therefore, the preference for LFP batteries has been increasing even more recently. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), LFP batteries held approximately 80% market share in the global ESS market as of 2023.

POSCO Future M is diversifying its cathode material product portfolio to respond more actively to changing customer needs. POSCO Future M primarily produces high-nickel NCMA (nickel-cobalt-manganese-aluminum) and NCA (nickel-cobalt-aluminum) for premium electric vehicles, and completed development of LMR (lithium-manganese-rich) cathode materials for entry and standard-grade electric cars in the first half of this year. Additionally, since March, the company has been pursuing research and development by organizing a task force (TF) jointly with POSCO Holdings Future Technology Research Institute for the commercialization of high-density LFP cathode materials with higher energy density compared to general-purpose LFP cathode materials.

From now on, POSCO Future M plans to continuously expand its global customer base in the automotive and battery industries, leveraging diverse cathode and anode material product portfolios, strengthened manufacturing capabilities, and supply chain competitiveness at the POSCO Group level.

▲ POSCO Future M signed an MOU with CNGR and FINO for LFP cathode material business development on the 8th at the POSCO Center in Daechi-dong. From left: CNGR Vice Chairman Zhu Zongyuan, POSCO Future M Energy Materials Business Division Head Yoon Tae-il, FINO CEO Li Bin.

Achieves competitiveness through a self-sufficient system spanning raw materials, intermediates, and cathode materials amid global policy changes

POSCO Future M has made its initial shipment of cathode materials produced using self-sufficient precursors.

These cathode materials are high-nickel NCMA (nickel-cobalt-manganese-aluminum) products, characterized by high energy density and output. Ultium Cells (a U.S.-based joint battery venture between LG Energy Solution and GM) will use them to manufacture high-performance electric vehicle batteries.

The cathode materials shipped for the first time on July 26 were manufactured using precursors produced at POSCO Future M’s precursor plant, which has an annual capacity of 45,000 tons. The plant was completed on June 10 at the cathode material plant site in the Yulchon Industrial Complex in Gwangyang, Jeollanam-do Province. Precursors are composed of nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), manganese (Mn), and other materials, and are combined with lithium (Li) at the cathode material plant to become cathode material products.

As supply chain regulations on Chinese battery materials are being strengthened in the global market recently, POSCO Future M has become able to meet the supply chain requirements demanded by the U.S. market by producing cathode materials with domestically produced precursors. POSCO Future M plans to begin shipping supply chain-independent cathode materials to the United States from its Gwangyang cathode material plant and expand production at the Pohang cathode material plant as well.

According to the U.S. tax reduction bill (OBBBA) passed last month, supply chain regulations are being further strengthened with the establishment of Prohibited Foreign Entity (PFE) provisions in the Advanced Manufacturing Production Credit (AMPC), but according to SNE Research, an energy-specialized market research firm, Korea’s import dependence on China for precursors reached over 90% as of March this year. Accordingly, Korea’s battery material industry is actively pursuing the production of cathode materials using domestic precursors to secure supply chain competitiveness.

Meanwhile, POSCO Future M is expected to gain supply chain competitive advantages over competitors even amid global policy changes by establishing a self-sufficient system spanning raw materials (lithium-nickel)-intermediates (precursors)-cathode materials through group companies including POSCO, POSCO HY Clean Metal, POSCO Pilbara Lithium Solution, and POSCO Lithium Solution.

▲ POSCO Future M executives and employees commemorate the first shipment of supply chain independent cathode materials at the Gwangyang cathode material plant.

▲ POSCO Future M executives and employees commemorate the first shipment of supply chain independent cathode materials at the Gwangyang cathode material plant.

Achieved a self-sufficient system spanning ‘raw materials, semi-finished products, and cathode materials’ amid global policy changes

Secured POSCO Group’s supply chain for high-purity nickel sulfate, a key precursor raw material, following lithium

POSCO Future M has completed its Gwangyang precursor plant with an annual production capacity of 45,000 tons.

Through this achievement, the company has secured the in-house capability to produce precursors, a key raw materials for cathode materials, thereby strengthening its supply chain competitiveness.

POSCO Future M held the completion ceremony for its precursor plant at the Yulchon Industrial Complex in Gwangyang, Jeollanam-do Province, on the 10th.

The event was attended by approximately 70 officials, including POSCO Future M President Gi-chen Eom, POSCO Holdings Business Synergy Division Head Seong-rae Cheon, Gwangyang Mayor In-hwa Jeong, Gwangyang City Council Chairman Dae-won Choi, and Gwangyang Bay Area Free Economic Zone Authority Commissioner Chung-gon Koo.

In his commemorative address, POSCO Future M President Gi-chen Eom stated, “Following the establishment of POSCO Group’s nickel supply chain, the completion of this precursor plant has achieved a self-sufficient system spanning ‘raw materials, semi-finished products, and cathode materials.’ Amid global supply chain policy fluctuations, the Gwangyang precursor plant will contribute to strengthening the competitiveness and growth of Korea’s battery industry.”

POSCO Future M’s Gwangyang precursor plant was constructed on a total area of 22,400㎡ (approximately 6,800 pyeong) within the existing Gwangyang cathode material plant site, with an annual production capacity of 45,000 tons of precursors. This represents sufficient volume to manufacture batteries for 500,000 electric vehicles. All precursors produced here will be used for cathode material manufacturing for Ultium Cells.

A precursor is a general term for the stage before a substance becomes the desired structure; in the battery industry, it refers to the material stage before becoming cathode material. Precursors consist of nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), manganese (Mn), and other elements, and are sent to cathode material plants where they combine with lithium (Li) to become cathode materials.

With this plant completion, POSCO Future M can now directly produce large quantities of precursors, enabling more rigorous cathode material quality control. Precursors are considered a critical factor determining cathode material performance, as their characteristics change according to raw material composition and production methods, with impurity management being crucial.

Through precursor self-sufficiency, POSCO Future M has strengthened its supply chain competitiveness even amid global policy changes. According to energy market research firm SNE Research, Korea’s dependence on Chinese imports for precursors exceeded 90% as of March this year. Using Chinese precursors means that batteries sold in the U.S. market starting this year are subject to Foreign Entity of Concern (FEOC) regulations and cannot receive IRA tax credits. While recent U.S. House tax reduction bill initiatives have created significant policy uncertainty regarding IRA tax credits, regulations on Chinese supply chains are strengthening with the addition of prohibited foreign entity requirements, making precursor supply chain independence essential.

In this context, POSCO Future M has further enhanced its supply chain competitiveness by receiving nickel, a key precursor raw material, from within the POSCO Group. Specifically, POSCO processes non-Chinese nickel raw materials into high-purity nickel sulfate, supplying it to POSCO Future M’s precursor plant. Additionally, POSCO HY Clean Metal supplies nickel sulfate recovered through recycling to POSCO Future M.

Previously, the POSCO Group achieved independence in its lithium supply chain. POSCO Future M is expected to gain advantages over competitors through stable lithium supply from POSCO Pilbara Lithium Solution using Australian ore, POSCO Lithium Solution utilizing Argentine brine, and POSCO HY Clean Metal extracting raw materials from waste batteries.

Meanwhile, POSCO Future M is actively pursuing regional job creation through expanded investment in Gwangyang. The company operates both its Gwangyang cathode material plant and precursor plant, employing approximately 700 employees. Construction is also underway on a dedicated high-nickel NCA single-crystal cathode material plant with an annual capacity of 52,500 tons on nearby land, contributing to employment creation in the local construction industry, with additional hiring planned for plant operation personnel after completion.

In the future, POSCO Future M plans to accelerate its leap toward becoming a global top-tier secondary battery materials company by further strengthening its supply chain competitiveness in response to market changes and customer demands, while concentrating its capabilities on research and development and product portfolio expansion.

▲Ceremony participants lighting a sphere representing precursors at the POSCO Future M Gwangyang precursor plant completion ceremony (from fourth from left: Gwangyang Mayor In-hwa Jeong, POSCO Future M President Gi-chen Eom, POSCO Holdings Business Synergy Division Head Seong-rae Cheon, POSCO Future M Labor-Management Council Representative Young-hwa Kim).

▲POSCO Future M President Gi-chen Eom delivering his commemorative address at the Gwangyang precursor plant completion ceremony.

Set to be a game-changer in entry-level and standard EV markets being encroached by LFP… GM and Ford successively announce official adoption of LMR batteries

33% higher energy density compared to LFP provides driving range advantage, with high post-use recycling value expected to rapidly replace the market

Feasible to utilize existing NCM cathode material production facilities, enabling rapid market entry

POSCO Future M has completed the development of LMR (Lithium Manganese Rich) cathode materials, which will serve as a game-changer in the entry-level and standard electric vehicle markets, and is now moving forward with securing mass production technology.

Global automakers have recently been drawing market attention by successively announcing plans to launch electric vehicles equipped with LMR batteries. On the 13th, GM officially announced that it would launch electric vehicles using LMR batteries starting in 2028. Ford also revealed plans for LMR battery commercialization before 2030 and disclosed that it is currently conducting pilot production of second-generation LMR batteries.

LMR batteries are rapidly emerging as next-generation batteries as they can compete on price with LFP batteries that Chinese battery companies are primarily producing while offering superior performance.

LMR batteries can enhance price competitiveness by significantly reducing the expensive use of cobalt and nickel, while increasing the use of inexpensive manganese. Considering that LFP batteries are difficult to recycle, LMR batteries with high lithium recovery rates can have economic advantages as well.

Additionally, they can achieve 33% higher energy density compared to LFP batteries, securing greater capacity, and are expected to rapidly replace LFP market.

Recognizing these advantages, POSCO Future M selected LMR cathode materials as a new flagship product that will be a game-changer in the entry-level and standard electric vehicle markets. The company has been jointly developing commercialization technology with global automakers and battery companies since 2023.

POSCO Future M’s Technology Research Institute consolidated research capabilities with POSCO Holdings’ POSCO N.EX.T Hub, which oversees POSCO Group R&D, and achieved successful pilot production last year through continuous improvements in energy density, charge-discharge performance, and stability. The company plans to secure mass production technology within this year and actively pursue large-scale contract orders.

Recently, the company took a significant step toward mass production readiness by obtaining approval after conducting due diligence in the areas of equipment operation, safety, and the environment, as required for LMR production at the request of customers. POSCO Future M plans to establish mass production capabilities by utilizing existing NCM cathode material production lines without large-scale new investments, enabling timely product supply according to customer requests.

Young-jun Hong, Director of POSCO Future M’s Technology Research Institute, stated, “LMR cathode materials have long been recognized for their potential but faced commercialization difficulties in terms of cycleability, and we have made significant progress through research and development,” adding, “Based on solid trust relationships, we are on the verge of launching products that combine affordable prices with high energy density through collaboration with customers.”

Following this LMR cathode material development, POSCO Future M plans to expand its LMR product portfolio from entry-level and standard to premium and large EV markets by developing next-generation LMR cathode materials with further enhanced energy capacity in collaboration with POSCO Holdings’ POSCO N.EX.T Hub.

▲POSCO Future M researcher is testing the production of LMR cathode material products at Sejong Institute’s pilot plant.

Are you curious about the lives of POSCO’s overseas expatriates who enjoy working and leisure in an exotic environment? POSCO Newsroom reports on the local lives of overseas expatriates. In Place 3, we’ll introduce Kyung-Eun Yoo from HR and General Affairs, and Ye-Sol Kim, an engineer in the Production Safety Department, both working at Ultium CAM, a joint venture between POSCO Future M and General Motors (GM) that focuses on the production of cathode materials for GM’s electric vehicles.

[Kyung-Eun Yoo] :  Hello, I am Kyung-Eun Yoo, an expatriate who has lived in Bécancour, Quebec, since July 29, 2023, and I work in the HR and General Affairs department at Ultium CAM. Ultium CAM is a joint venture between POSCO Future M and General Motors to produce cathode materials for GM’s electric vehicles. Ultium CAM is currently building a cathode material plant with an annual capacity of 30,000 tons, with the goal of completion by 2025.

Bécancour, where Ultium CAM is located, has strategically developed into a battery-specialized industrial hub known as the Société du parc industriel et portuaire de Bécancour (SPIPB). Ultium CAM is the first factory being established in this industrial park, and has received significant support and attention from the city.

In my role, I collaborate with local employees on HR planning, system operations, public relations, and government relations so that our expatriates adapt well and are focused on their work.

[Ye-Sol Kim] :  Hello, I am Ye-Sol Kim, an engineer who started my expatriate journey at Ultium CAM on the same day as Gyeong-Eun Yu. I am part of the Production Safety Department, responsible for sourcing the maintenance, repair, and operation (MRO) materials needed for the operation of the plant. MRO encompasses everything from bolts and nuts to critical equipment components such as filters and meshes, all of which require periodic maintenance and replacement for smooth operations. I also oversee the review of local safety and environmental regulations and have recently been involved in training new local employees on process protocols.

[Kyung-Eun Yoo] : With a major in French studies, I was keen to find a company where I could use my language skills. That’s when I discovered POSCO Future M’s global talent recruitment program, which seeks to merge knowledge in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering to create new value. This program prioritizes overseas assignments for those with proven competence. I joined POSCO Future M with the hope of someday working at Ultium CAM, where French is the working language. When the opportunity arose, it felt almost destined, and I eagerly embraced the chance to contribute to the company’s growth with my French proficiency.

Although I had studied French extensively and believed I understood Francophone culture well, the strong affinity for the language in Quebec was initially a surprise. I realized that with Quebec’s prioritization of the French language as its foremost value and the legal requirement for global companies such as Ultium CAM to use French, the initial establishment of Ultium CAM might not be an easy process.

However, after speaking with locals and studying their history, I gained a deep appreciation for their efforts to preserve their linguistic and cultural heritage in a predominantly English-speaking country. I realized that truly understanding and respecting Quebec’s love for the French language could pave the way for Ultium CAM to become a beloved company in the region.

In North America, recruitment is often conducted on a rolling basis, so companies tend to use professional sites like LinkedIn for hiring rather than open recruitment or campus recruiting as is common in South Korea. Ultium CAM had relatively low recognition in the region, which posed a significant challenge as we deliberated on how best to raise the company’s profile. To raise Ultium CAM’s local profile, we organized various events in the Bécancour area to officially introduce the company to the community. At one such event, I had the honor of representing Ultium CAM and presenting our business operations entirely in French, given the limited English proficiency of the local audience.

We operated booths at recruitment fairs in Montreal and Trois-Rivières, and also hosted Ultium CAM hiring events throughout the Bécancour area. I mainly introduced our processes and products to local job seekers in French. During these events, I received numerous detailed questions about the characteristics of our products and the work environment, and the broad knowledge and experience I gained from the integration training after joining the company was very helpful.

Ultium CAM’s workforce is diverse, and not only has employees from Quebec, but also from Latin America, Asia, and other regions. As a result, effective communication requires genuine respect for different cultures, rather than just language skills. When I learn something new about Quebec culture, I usually share it by saying, “In Korea, we do it this way, but in Quebec, it is done like this, and this is one of the differences between our two cultures.” Alternatively, I might ask, “In Korea, we do it this way, how is it done in Quebec?” This approach helps spark conversations about the cultural differences between the two countries. I make it a point not only to engage in casual conversations but also to discuss work-related challenges with my colleagues with the aim of building strong rapport (mutual trust).

Additionally, I have gained insights into cultural differences that might be less familiar in Korea, such as a preference for cohabitation over marriage, a strong emphasis on privacy that makes people reluctant to share personal details such as age, marital status, or children, and various dietary practices driven by religious or personal beliefs. These cultural nuances have been thoughtfully integrated into our recruitment processes and HR policies to help us adapt our company’s systems to the local context.

In addition to Ye-Sol Kim and myself, four other colleagues from the interdisciplinary talent program (including Min-Young Bong in Maintenance and Hye-Yeon Lee in Technical Quality) are also part of the Ultium CAM team. Each of us serves as a bridge inside and outside the production, maintenance, and quality departments, while also supporting construction efforts. Using our overseas education and work experience, we provide interpretation in meetings and actively participate in on-site discussions with contractors and suppliers.

One of the most rewarding aspects of working at Ultium CAM is the opportunity to use our diverse experiences and knowledge in departments to overcome language and cultural barriers and unite as a cohesive team.

[Ye-Sol Kim] : I majored in French Language and Literature and Economics in college. Like Gyeong-Eun Yu, I joined POSCO Future M through the global talent recruitment program. Although I thought I could adapt well to life as an expatriate because I had many foreign friends, I was initially worried about forming professional relationships with foreign colleagues. However, my fluency in English and French helped me quickly bond with local employees through small talk. Indeed, nothing bridges social distances like sincere conversations.

Ultium CAM is currently building a plant with an annual capacity of 30,000 tons of cathode materials. It is receiving a lot of attention locally because it is a key player in the future electric vehicle battery industry and a Carbon Reduction, wastewater-free facility. My responsibilities include developing strategies for waste management with a focus on converting waste into resources rather than resorting to landfill or incineration. We are also negotiating with battery recycling companies to sell process waste containing valuable materials such as nickel and lithium.

I am also in charge of localizing the equipment and materials used in the plant. Ultium CAM is the first cathode material plant in North America, so it has been challenging to find suppliers that meet our specifications since there are few companies that specialize in electric vehicle battery materials in the region. To address this, I have been actively participating in local supplier exhibitions with the procurement team to find companies that can supply materials that meet our requirements. I was so engrossed in reviewing equipment drawings and manuals that the days flew by without even noticing.

Recently, I had the opportunity to visit Korea with local managers and engineers from Ultium CAM for a cathode material technology training program. We spent four weeks at the Talent Development Center in Songdo and Pohang, as well as at the cathode material plants. The employees who accompanied me and I had a very productive time touring the sites, asking questions, and exploring ways to establish a robust battery value chain in Quebec similar to those in Pohang and Gwangyang.

This technical training program was tailored to specific roles in operations, maintenance, and quality, so we were able to acquire the practical skills necessary for plant operations. It also provided a deeper understanding of POSCO Group’s corporate culture, which greatly enhanced our sense of belonging as POSCO members. As a Korean, I was genuinely surprised by how thoroughly the technical skills were taught during the training. The foreign employees said that they appreciated the opportunity to directly experience and understand the work environment and culture of a Korean company through the training. Now everyone is back in the country and working hard to apply the knowledge and skills they acquired from the training to the plant.

[Kyung-Eun Yoo] : Bécancour, where I work, is a small town. On my days off, I love exploring local eateries with colleagues and eating various local dishes. Its picturesque scenery and the laid-back, friendly nature of its residents make working here very enjoyable.

One spot I highly recommend is Coconut Bar, a long-standing pub in Trois-Rivières where many expatriates reside. This pub has been around for decades and holds the nostalgic memories of the mothers and grandmothers of local employees. When you enter, the staff greet you with Hawaiian-style flower leis, and the tropical décor, complete with statues and fountains, transports you from snowy Canada to a summer paradise. It is no wonder that local employees often say, “If you’re in Trois-Rivières, you must visit Coconut Bar.”

What makes Coconut Bar even more special is that we hold a welcome gathering there every time a new employee joins the HR and General Affairs team at Ultium CAM. The first day at a new job can be nerve-wracking, but sitting at the bar and chatting with colleagues helps break the ice and ease the tension. I vividly remember when my colleagues recorded a birthday video for my mother in French at Coconut Bar. It was the first time she received such a global birthday greeting, and she was absolutely thrilled, saying it would be a cherished memory for years to come.

While I thoroughly enjoy discovering new local delicacies, there are times when I miss Korean food. In that case, I either visit a Korean restaurant in Montreal or prepare Korean dishes with ingredients from a local Korean grocery store to share with my fellow expatriates. As we reminisce about our experiences in Korea and discuss all the things we want to do when we return, time seems to fly by.

[Ye-Sol Kim] : Living as an expatriate often brings a variety of new and diverse experiences. It can sometimes be hard to navigate new procedures and processes at work, but the everyday moments and memories I have made along the way make each day enjoyable. We currently work out of temporary offices because the Ultium CAM office building and cafeteria are still under construction. We all bring our packed lunches and eat together, and one day, a local colleague who noticed that I was eating cup noodles every day surprised me with a generous serving of a local delicacy, salmon marinated in maple syrup. Although the idea of sweet syrup on fish seemed odd at first, it tasted far better than I expected. In return, I prepared a Korean dish to share with my colleagues, which they thoroughly enjoyed.

It frequently snows in Bécancour because winter lasts for about half the year. I wasn’t particularly fond of winter in Korea, but since I moved here, I have come to appreciate the season by snowmobiling, cross-country skiing in the parks, and ice skating on the frozen lakes with my colleagues. During the summer, I often play pickleball, a sport introduced to me by local staff. It is a blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, and I find that hitting the ball with the paddle is a great way to relieve stress.

[Kyung-Eun Yoo] : POSCO Future M’s Ultium CAM is currently in the early stages of plant construction, so it is not well recognized locally. As a member of the HR and General Affairs team, my goal is to make sure that everyone in the Bécancour area knows about Ultium CAM. We will hire more employees after the plant is completed, and my biggest goal is to build a unique organizational culture at Ultium CAM that blends Korean and Quebecois cultures with the participation of all employees.

Finally, for those considering a career at POSCO Future M Ultium CAM, I encourage you to face the challenge with confidence. While there may be difficulties, the new and exciting experiences will far outweigh them. So, to all of you, Aie du courage (have courage)!

[Ye-Sol Kim] : Engineering work tends to have a clear direction regarding problems and solutions. It requires extensive on-site experience, including a deep understanding of equipment and processes, as well as the ability to handle and resolve a wide range of issues, so I continually study whenever I get the chance. I will continue to do my best in Canada until the Ultium CAM plant, which I have watched from the construction phase, is successfully completed and begins producing 30,000 tons of cathode material annually.

Training covers production, maintenance, and quality control, ensuring readiness for commissioning and mass production.

Plant Manager Eric Bouchard: “We will produce world-class quality materials with advanced Korean technology.”

In preparation for the operation of its Canadian cathode material plant, POSCO Future M has initiated a training program in Korea for local key personnel, advancing its efforts in global technical workforce development.

From June 10, POSCO Future M conducted a month-long training program for 21 key employees of ‘Ultium CAM,’ a joint venture established with General Motors (GM) in May 2022 in Quebec, Canada. The training occurred at the POSCO Group University and the cathode material plant. These employees, who will play pivotal roles in the stable operation and high-quality production at the 30,000-ton capacity cathode material plant, are on-site supervisors with around ten years of manufacturing experience.

Over three weeks, these employees attended the Pohang cathode material plant, focusing intensively on production, maintenance, and quality control techniques. They acquired the necessary qualifications to become specialized personnel required for the plant’s commissioning and mass production. Additionally, a one-week introductory and general education course at the POSCO Group University helped them understand POSCO Group’s vision and organizational culture, the significance of safety, and their identity as part of the POSCO Group.

Supplementary programs, including tours of historical sites in Gyeongju, community activities near the plant, and cultural events like ‘Chimaek Day’ (an event involving chicken and beer), enhanced their understanding of Korean culture and fostered a closer emotional connection.

Eric Bouchard, the local plant manager, remarked upon completing the training, “Receiving high-level technical education in Korea, a leader in the battery industry, and experiencing Korean culture has deepened my understanding of my colleagues. I will utilize the knowledge gained from this training to produce the highest quality materials.”

Following commissioning, Ultium CAM will commence full-scale mass production next year. The cathode materials produced here will qualify for tax credits under the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Ultium Cells, a joint venture between GM and LG Energy Solution, will use them in batteries.

▲Ultium CAM employees receive training in quality analysis on the 2nd. Cathode material samples are transported via an air-shooting system for rapid quality inspection.

▲An Ultium CAM employee tests product quality through specific surface area analysis on June 24th.

▲Ultium CAM employees discuss the calcination process for combining precursor and lithium on the 3rd.

▲Ultium CAM employees take a commemorative photo at the POSCO Group University on June 12th.

▲On the 4th, Ultium CAM employees and Song Dong-gi, Head of Pohang Cathode Material Division (sixth from left in the front row), take a commemorative photo after completing their training at the POSCO Future M Pohang cathode material plant.

Save your valuable time. Watch a short version of a long YouTube video in just 3 minutes! In this episode, join us in discovering POSCO Group’s future roadmap as it emerges as a global top-tier player with the domestic production of cathode and anode materials, the key elements of rechargeable batteries.

POSCO has recently received widespread attention for its impressive growth and innovation in identifying future demand industries. In particular, POSCO Group has emerged as a formidable force both at home and abroad in cutting-edge technologies such as mobile devices, electric vehicles, solar panels, and renewable energy storage systems. In Korea, only POSCO Future M is producing both cathode and anode materials, which are important materials that determine rechargeable battery performance, and has established itself as one of the major suppliers of high-quality rechargeable battery materials and is producing both anode and cathode materials.

Today, let’s look at the future of batteries with Senior Researcher Park Jae-beom at the POSCO Research Institute, which is focusing on anode materials that influence battery lifespan and charging speed. Join us as we explore POSCO Group’s blueprint that will shape the future of batteries. Let’s begin now!

Graphite: the core mineral that shapes the performance of electric vehicle batteries

As nations worldwide intensify efforts to reduce carbon emissions, the traditional automotive industry is undergoing a profound metamorphosis. It is shifting away from its reliance on internal combustion engines, pivoting to the era of electric vehicles, and embracing eco-friendly energy sources. Rechargeable batteries are at the center of electric vehicle production. A rechargeable battery consists of four materials: a cathode, an anode, an electrolyte, and a separator. It is no exaggeration to say that the cathode material, which determines the driving distance of an electric vehicle by increasing the energy density, and the anode material, which affects the charging speed and life of the battery, determine the performance of rechargeable batteries.

Lithium-ion batteries, commonly found in electric vehicles, produce electricity with the chemical exchange of lithium ions between the cathode and anode. The anode stores and releases lithium ions received from the anode material. In other words, battery performance hinges on the anode’s performance, and its ability to efficiently store and release lithium ions directly affects energy density and charging speed. Recent emphasis has been placed on developing anodes with heightened energy density, swift charging capabilities, and robust durability, to match the importance given to cathodes.

The primary material of the anode is graphite, much like the substance found in everyday items such as pencil leads or mechanical pencil refills. Metal is also used as a production material for anode materials, but graphite-based anodes dominate the market due to their affordability and high stability, and account for approximately 90% of anode production. Therefore, the majority of anode materials currently used in the market are made of either natural or synthetic graphite.

Sole provider in Korea! POSCO Group produces both natural and synthetic graphite

Natural graphite is obtained from mines as graphite ore, crushed to remove impurities, and refined to increase its purity in a process known as beneficiation. The resulting raw graphite undergoes various processes to be shaped into spherical graphite. Spherical graphite is coated with pitch and subjected to high temperatures in a process called calcination. This coating serves to encapsulate the graphite surface and enables the battery to withstand high temperatures and improve charging and discharging efficiency. Finally, the graphite undergoes size grading and iron removal, culminating in the production of natural graphite anode material with a purity approaching 99.9%.

Artificial graphite, used as an anode material, is produced from coke, a byproduct of steel production, rather than directly mined from graphite. Coke undergoes purification to remove impurities, followed by high-temperature treatment, resulting in needle coke formation. The needle coke is then pulverized, subjected to high temperatures for graphitization, and undergoes coating and iron removal processes to produce artificial graphite anode material.

The naturally derived graphite anode material and the synthetic graphite anode material, produced by different manufacturing processes, complement each other. The natural graphite anode material offers the advantage of large lithium-ion storage capacity at a low cost, while the synthetic graphite anode material is advantageous in terms of lifespan, output, and stability. For these reasons, a majority of rechargeable batteries for electric vehicles use a combination of natural and synthetic graphite.

POSCO Future M is the only Korean company that produces both natural and synthetic graphite anode materials. Natural graphite is planned to be secured from the Mahenge and Molo mines in Tanzania and Madagascar, which are invested by POSCO Holdings and POSCO International, in addition to existing suppliers. Synthetic graphite, on the other hand, has been successfully localized with the procurement of raw materials, needle cokes, by its subsidiary, POSCO MC Materials. Furthermore, through R&D collaboration with POSCO Holdings, POSCO Future M has developed a low-expansion, long-life natural graphite anode material that combines the advantages of synthetic and natural graphite.

Recently, China, responsible for approximately 70% of global graphite production, announced plans to tighten control over its graphite exports. Amidst the electric vehicle market’s expansion, China’s recent announcement of full control over graphite exports has dealt a significant blow to battery manufacturers worldwide. This declaration comes at a time when the anode material sector is experiencing annual growth rates of more than 20%. While this poses challenges for battery manufacturers worldwide, POSCO Group’s competitive position in the battery market is increasingly noteworthy. POSCO has been strategically advancing its anode material business to bolster self-reliance and reduce reliance on China since 2010. In the future, POSCO Group is expected to enhance its supply chain capabilities in the anode material sector and increase production autonomy.

POSCO Group leads battery industry with “full portfolio” development

Establishing a production system for silicon anode materials with a capacity of 35,000 tons by 2030

POSCO Group’s strategy to strengthen battery performance with anode material technology is expected to continue to develop. With the global demand for high-performance electric vehicles, batteries also need high-performance materials, leading to increased attention to various anode materials. Among them, you can mention silicon anode materials.

Silicon anode material has a nearly tenfold higher capacity per unit weight compared to graphite-based alternatives, which has the advantage of innovatively increasing electric vehicle range and facilitating rapid charging. However, it comes with challenges. The higher cost and structural instability of silicon due to volume expansion during charge and discharge are significant obstacles to overcome.

Due to these technical challenges, silicon anode material is currently not used exclusively in electric vehicle batteries. Instead, it is blended with graphite-based anode materials at a ratio of 4-5%. Nevertheless, silicon anode material is gaining attention as a potential solution to improve electric vehicle driving range and charging performance. Some in the industry foresee increasing the proportion of silicon in anode materials from 5% to 30% by 2030 with the development of technologies that enhance material structure stability. The silicon anode material market is expected to grow at an annual rate of 34%.

Consequently, POSCO Group is strategically consolidating its research efforts internally to drive the development of a production ecosystem for silicon anode materials, the cornerstone of next-generation products. Within this framework, POSCO Holdings has established its subsidiary, POSCO Silicon Solution. Furthermore, with the combined expertise of POSCO N.EX.T Hub (Future Technology Research Institue) and POSCO Future M, the Group plans to work together to build a production infrastructure capable of yielding 35,000 tons of silicon anode materials by 2030.

Harnessing its infrastructure, it will mass-produce next-generation lithium metal anode materials

In addition to silicon anode material, which boasts more than 10 times the energy density of graphite, another promising next-generation anode material is lithium metal anode material, which is evaluated to have even greater potential. Lithium is the lightest metal on Earth and holds the key to substantially reducing battery weight. Lithium metal anodes are hailed as the pinnacle of the next-generation anode material market because of their potential to enhance the fuel efficiency of electric vehicles.

POSCO Group has an Argentine lithium brine, which is an ideal environment for extracting high-purity lithium with minimal impurities to use as an anode material. Furthermore, it has the world’s best lithium refining technology. In addition, the independent technology accumulated with roll-to-roll processing, which produces thin lithium layers with wider widths, provides an economical and efficient solution for lithium metal anode production. POSCO Group will steadily develop these technologies to become a company that produces economically feasible lithium metal anode materials for next-generation batteries.

▼ Check POSCO Group’s anode material production competitiveness in video ↓

POSCO Group has the infrastructure and strength to produce a wide range of electrode materials, including natural and synthetic graphite, low-expansion natural graphite, silicon anode materials, and lithium metal anodes. In the future, the Group aims to establish a full portfolio to lead the electrode materials market. Stay tuned for our continued growth and advancements!