OCP Group, Morocco’s phosphate giant, has entered advanced negotiations with Chinese company Zhongwei to secure raw materials for lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathode production.
The initiative anchors an ambitious USD 2 billion industrial battery project in collaboration with Moroccan investment giant Al Mada, Zhongwei, and CNGR Advanced Material Company.
OCP plans to supply high-grade phosphates, tailored for Zhongwei’s advanced chemical processes, to produce LFP, a critical material for energy-dense batteries used in electric vehicles (EVs) and stationary energy storage systems.
The mega project includes multiple high-tech processes, from chemical precursor production to lithium processing for cathodes and recycling byproducts to achieve a full circular economy.
The efforts aim to transform Jorf Lasfar into a hub for cutting-edge battery technology, with the first phase scheduled to go live later this month.
The facility’s annual output will include 120,000 tons of cathode active materials (CAM), 60,000 tons of LFP, and 30,000 tons of recycled battery materials. With production capacities that will support over one million EVs annually, the project is poised to revolutionize electric battery manufacturing in Morocco.
CNGR Advanced Material Company holds a 50.03% stake in the joint venture, while Al Mada owns 49.97%. Both partners aim to establish Morocco as a cornerstone in the global EV battery value chain.
OCP’s focus on integrating innovative solutions extends beyond its collaboration with Zhongwei. Recent developments in Morocco’s battery ecosystem underscore this momentum.
LG Chem plans to build an LFP cathode plant, while Gotion High-Tech has committed USD 6.5 billion to establish a battery and energy storage production ecosystem by May 2025.