E3 Lithium Ltd.

Published purpose

This Project will demonstrate the laboratory-scale synthesis of lithiummanganese-rich (LMR) cathode materials using Canadian-sourced manganese, lithium, and nickel. LMR cathodes offer a cobalt-free, cost-competitive alternative to nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) systems while maintaining high energy density and compatibility with existing manufacturing infrastructure. The work will validate Canadian battery-grade manganese and establish an integrated pathway from upstream mineral production to midstream battery materials. The NRC will lead precursor synthesis via co-precipitation, lithiation, material characterization, electrochemical testing, and ensure optimization of lithiation parameters. Manganese X Energy Corp, E3 Lithium Ltd, and NiVolt Technologies will supply high-purity Canadian precursors and advise on impurity impacts. POSCO Future M will provide industrial validation. Expected outcomes include advancing technology readiness from TRL 2 to TRL 4, generating data for future scale-up, and supporting the Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy and the NRC’s Critical Battery Materials Initiative objectives for cobalt-free, highenergy-density cathodes.