Sino-Moroccan company COBCO has begun producing components for lithium-ion batteries in the Jorf Lasfar industrial area. Located about 125 kilometers south of Casablanca, the plant is the result of a partnership between the Moroccan investment fund Al Mada and CNGR Advanced Material from China.
LFP to follow NMC
According to the company, the first phase will involve producing cathode and nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) precursors. Production of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathodes is said to be planned for a later stage. Sources close to the project claim that the final expansion stage will have the capacity to produce 120,000 tons of NMC precursors and 60,000 tons of LFP cathodes annually. The LFP cathodes will be produced once a regional supply chain for LFP batteries has been established.
Phosphate and cobalt deposits
This production initiative is part of Moroccoʼs strategy to become more involved in global electric mobility supply chains. The countryʼs geographical proximity to Europe, existing trade agreements, and deposits of phosphate and cobalt are considered locational advantages, according to industry estimates.
