Global Battery Materials Forms New Company to Close Ex-China Graphite Critical Mineral Supply Gap
TORONTO and SEOUL, South Korea, Nov. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Global Battery Materials Corp. (“Global Battery Materials” or “GB Materials” or the “Company“) has launched as a vertically integrated Critical Minerals and technology company. This new platform was created through the strategic combination of South Korea’s SongWoo EM Co., Ltd. and the Canadian assets of G6 Energy Corp. Backed by strategic and institutional investors, this new company is focused on rapidly building and scaling an independent, 100% ex-China supply chain for graphite-based anode materials—a core component for lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles (EVs) and grid energy storage.
The launch comes as demand for secure and transparent Critical Mineral supply chains accelerates across the global energy sector. Graphite, which makes up the largest portion of raw materials in every lithium-ion battery, is designated a Critical Mineral across North America, Europe, and Asia. Nearly 98 percent of global graphite processing is concentrated in China, creating significant strategic and economic risks. Recent Chinese export controls and U.S. anti-dumping measures underscore the urgency of developing robust domestic and allied sources of supply.
Renaud Adams, Chairman of Global Battery Materials, said:
Critical Minerals are at the heart of energy security and industrial strategy.
”We are bringing together proven assets in Tier 1 jurisdictions and experienced leadership to accelerate the development of a sustainable supply chain for graphite anode materials,”
GB Materials directly addresses this challenge by combining Canadian natural resource strength with South Korean process technology. This structure establishes a vertically integrated supply chain designed specifically for speed, cost efficiency, and resilience.
Canadian Operations
In Canada, GB Materials owns the Kearney Mine in Ontario—one of North America’s only previously producing natural graphite assets. The site features a high-quality mineral resource, substantial existing infrastructure, and government support. The Company is advancing a restart plan designed to deliver one of the sector’s fastest, lowest-cost paths to commercial-scale production.
South Korean Operations
In South Korea, GB Materials operates an advanced pilot plant and research center in Siheung, providing the technological foundation for its downstream operations. The facility utilizes patented processes to create anode materials that meet rigorous customer requirements. This process achieves high yields and consistent quality while simultaneously reducing the environmental impact. These materials are engineered to meet the high-performance standards required for electric mobility, grid-scale storage, defense, and AI infrastructure.
GB Materials is led by a seasoned management team, bringing deep global expertise in mining, advanced materials, and lithium-ion battery manufacturing.
- Renaud Adams, Non-Executive Chairman, brings over 30 years of global mining leadership and currently serves as CEO of IAMGOLD Corp.
- Eric Miller, Chief Executive Officer, has two decades of leadership in advanced manufacturing and automotive materials.
- Ian McCallum, Chief Operating Officer – Materials, has nearly 30 years of experience in advanced materials and battery technology, and holds several lithium-ion patents.
- Karl Trudeau, Chief Operating Officer – Mining, brings more than 20 years of specialized experience in sustainable graphite mining operations.
Eric Miller, Chief Executive Officer of GB Materials, said:
Graphite remains one of the most essential yet vulnerable materials in the energy transition.
” Our company was built to address the urgent need for a reliable supply of Critical Minerals,”
“By combining Canada’s resource base with Korea’s advanced processing expertise, we will bring practical and scalable solutions to the market.”
The Company anticipates production of active anode material to commence in 2028. By combining a prior producing, proven Canadian resource with leading-edge processing capabilities, GB Materials delivers a scalable, resilient, and de-risked solution for supplying graphite Critical Minerals in North America.
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Global Battery Materials Forms New Company to Close Ex-China Graphite Critical Mineral Supply Gap, source
