Samsung SDI subsidiary sells precursor unit

Samsung SDI’s subsidiary STM has sold its battery precursor-making unit to local supplier Cosmo AM&T, industry sources confirmed on Mar. 19.

STM sold production lines with an annual capacity of up to 2,400 tons of precursors for an unspecified amount. Precursors are a key component for manufacturing cathode, which account for up to 40% of a battery price.

With the deal, STM can focus on its cathode-making business, while Cosmo AM&T has found its footing to enter the EV battery business. Until now, Cosmo AM&T has been producing mostly LCO, a cathode for smaller batteries. But it also began making NCM523 for bigger batteries in 2019. NCM523 is mostly used for energy storage systems. LG Chem is a key client.

The lines from STM will be mainly for producing cathode specs of NCM622 and above to be used for EV batteries. The lines may also be capable of producing high-nickel cathode with nickel accounting for 80% or more for higher energy density. This can help increase the distance EVs can be driven with a single charge.

Meanwhile, STM will focus on producing the cathode for Samsung SDI. STM was created in May of2011 as a joint venture between Samsung and Japan’s Toda Corp. Eventually, Samsung SDI bought up all the shares to turn it into a subsidiary.

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