UK-based battery cell company Britishvolt has announced that it has become a member of the Fair Cobalt Alliance (FCA).
The FCA is a multistakeholder organisation focused on developing responsible and fair artisanal mining of cobalt in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Most of the world’s supply of cobalt is produced in the DRC and is highly sought-after because it is a key component in lithium-ion batteries.
Britishvolt’s aim is to set new benchmarks across the battery supply chain, and its membership with the FCA is part of their wider environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy.
Craig Woodburn, Head of ESG at Britishvolt, said: “This is a great initiative to be part of. Britishvolt has a very clear and defined ambition to create one of the best-in-class ESG frameworks. By joining the FCA we are aiming to reduce environmental impact, improve working conditions for miners and support action that redirect children to school and education in the Democratic Republic of Congo.”
Britishvolt will join other members of the FCA, including Tesla, Glencore and the Impact Facility, that are all united on improving the lives of mining communities in the DRC.
Dr Assheton Carter, the FCA’s Executive Director, said: “We welcome Britishvolt to the FCA. The business complements our growing membership and represents the breadth of stakeholders in the cobalt value chain that we are able to bring together.”
One of Britishvolt’s major projects is its building of the UK’s first battery Gigaplant in Cambois, Northumberland.
By the end of 2027 onwards, when the project is at full capacity, the Gigaplant will be able to produce enough cells for approximately 300,000 electric vehicle battery packs per year.
The site will bring around 3,000 direct highly-skilled jobs and more than 5,000 jobs in the associated supply chains.
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