Battery raw materials form the backbone of today’s global shift toward electrification, renewable energy, and sustainable mobility. As electric vehicles (EVs), grid storage systems, and portable electronics dominate both innovation and investment, the importance of securing and refining critical battery components has never been more pronounced. These raw materials—chiefly lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite, and manganese—are essential for producing high-performance batteries, especially lithium-ion variants, which are the current industry standard.

Lithium is perhaps the most recognized among these materials, thanks to its crucial role in battery chemistry. Its light weight and high electrochemical potential make it ideal for use in energy-dense cells. Most lithium is extracted from brine pools or mined as hard rock spodumene, with countries like Australia, Chile, and China being key players in global production. As demand for EVs continues to surge, ensuring ethical and sustainable lithium sourcing is a major challenge and opportunity for the energy sector.

Cobalt, often used in the cathodes of lithium-ion batteries to enhance stability and energy density, is another pivotal material. However, the supply chain for cobalt is complex and sometimes controversial, with a large portion of the world’s reserves located in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where mining practices are frequently scrutinized. This has driven research into cobalt-free or low-cobalt battery chemistries, while also encouraging investments in traceable and responsible sourcing mechanisms.

Nickel improves battery energy density and is crucial for long-range electric vehicles. High-nickel cathodes, such as those found in NMC (nickel-manganese-cobalt) or NCA (nickel-cobalt-aluminum) batteries, are increasingly preferred by EV manufacturers for their performance benefits. However, the global nickel market must now balance traditional industrial demands—such as for stainless steel—with its growing importance in battery manufacturing.

Graphite serves as the dominant material for battery anodes due to its ability to host lithium ions efficiently. Both natural and synthetic graphite are used, and sourcing strategies are being refined to support high-volume battery production while addressing environmental and geopolitical concerns.

Manganese plays a stabilizing role in cathode materials and is gaining attention for its affordability and safety advantages. It is used in various battery types, including lithium-manganese-oxide (LMO) cells, known for their thermal stability.

As the battery industry grows, so does the focus on recycling and reusing battery raw materials. Closed-loop recycling systems aim to recover critical minerals from used batteries, reducing dependence on virgin extraction and supporting circular economy goals.