French mining group Imerys and Chinese battery materials producer Shanshan New Material have announced a strategic partnership to produce synthetic graphite anodes for lithium-ion batteries in Europe, targeting electric vehicles (EVs) and stationary energy storage systems (BESS).
The collaboration involves Imerys Graphite and Carbon Switzerland, a Swiss subsidiary specializing in conductive additives, and Shanshan New Material from Shanghai, which produces synthetic graphite for battery anodes. The partnership aims to establish a European supply chain for high-performance synthetic graphite, supporting local battery cell manufacturers. Commercial-scale products are expected from the fourth quarter of 2025, with samples available on request.
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Synthetic graphite, unlike mined natural graphite, is produced artificially—typically from petroleum coke—and offers advantages in conductivity, faster charging, and longer battery life. Imerys will contribute its knowledge of European markets and raw materials, while Shanshan provides its technology and experience in producing synthetic graphite.
Frank Wittchen, general manager of Imerys Graphite & Carbon, described the collaboration as a step toward strengthening Europe’s battery value chain, ensuring industrial scale and supply security for the region’s energy transition. XiaoYang Ding, managing director of Shanshan New Material, highlighted the complementary strengths of the two companies in technology, resources, and localized supply chains.
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The partnership aligns with Europe’s broader efforts to develop domestic battery materials production, reducing reliance on imports from countries such as China, Mozambique, and Madagascar, where natural graphite is currently mined.