JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS – Indonesia Battery Corporation (IBC) has announced a strategic partnership with two Chinese companies, Nuode New Materials and China Hualong International Construction Corporation (Sinoron), aimed at advancing copper downstream development.

This collaboration is significant for the production of electric vehicle (EV) batteries, highlighting the growing importance of copper as a key material in the industry.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed on September 30 in Jakarta. During the signing ceremony, Jeffrie N. Korompis, IBC’s Director of Development and Operations, stated that the partnership aligns with IBC’s onshoring strategy to strengthen the national battery ecosystem.

This initiative aims to position Indonesia as a central hub for global battery production, which is critical as demand for EVs continues to rise.

The collaboration between the three companies will involve joint studies focused on the market potential for copper foil, which is essential for lithium-ion batteries and printed circuit boards (PCBs).

By exploring these opportunities, the partners aim to enhance their understanding of the copper market and identify potential growth areas.

In addition to market studies, the partnership will also investigate supply options for copper cathodes and sulfuric acid. This focus on raw materials is vital for ensuring a stable supply chain, which is essential for the production of EV batteries. The collaborative effort is expected to foster a more robust supply chain within Indonesia, benefitting local manufacturers.

The companies plan to discuss potential investments to establish a joint venture for copper foil production. This venture could significantly boost local production capabilities and reduce reliance on imported materials, thereby strengthening Indonesia’s position in the EV battery supply chain.