The Israeli chemical company ICL (formerly Israel Chemicals) has begun construction of a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) factory in St. Louis, in the US state Missouri.

Starting in 2025, the plant will produce LFP cathode material for battery cells that can be used in electric vehicles, among other applications.

An annual production of 30,000 tonnes is planned.

Phil Brown, President of the company’s phosphate division and Managing Director of ICL for North America,

Phil Brown, President of the company’s phosphate division and Managing Director of ICL for North America, remarked, «ICL is excited to be constructing the first large-scale commercial plant in North America for this critical component needed in the energy storage, mobility, and infrastructure markets.»

He added, «We are proud to make this investment in St. Louis and to create over 150 well-paying union and professional jobs in our hometown.»

ICL envisions the LFP materials factory as the cornerstone of its global battery materials business.

The company is already present in other sectors in North America, and the new plant will be located on ICL’s existing Carondelet campus in St. Louis.

It’s worth noting that the US government is subsidizing the $400 million plant with $197 million, which amounts to a calculated total cost of €364 million and a subsidy sum of €179 million.

ICL’s Collaboration with Aleees

ICL is collaborating with Aleees, a Taiwanese manufacturer and licensor of LFP cathode materials, to establish an LFP supply chain for customers in North America.

While it’s not yet confirmed that ICL will also produce the cathode material under Aleees’ license, it’s likely given the cooperation with the local supply chain.

The Israeli company describes LFP as «one of the fastest-growing sectors of the battery industry,» particularly in terms of safety and cost.

ICL projects a global demand for over three million tonnes of LFP cathode materials by 2031, amounting to a market value of over $40 billion based on current projections.

Finally, it’s worth mentioning that ICL produces fertilizers, metals, and other specialized materials.

Therefore, the company has experience with metals and phosphates, albeit for different applications until now.

Source: electrive