LS-L&F Completes 1 Trillion Won Pilot Plant

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Expansion of South Korea’s Battery Industry

LS-L&F Battery Solution (LLBS) has completed the construction of a precursor factory in the Saemangeum National Industrial Complex in Gunsan, North Jeolla Province. The facility covers approximately 40,000 pyeong (132,232 square meters) and required a total investment of 1 trillion won. This new plant is expected to create around 1,000 job opportunities.

A precursor is a compound made by mixing nickel, cobalt, manganese, aluminum, and other materials. It serves as an intermediate core material before producing cathode materials—the heart of batteries. Koo Ja-eun, Chairman of the LS Group, emphasized the importance of this development. He stated that the goal is to reduce South Korea’s reliance on Chinese precursors, which dominate 80% of the global market. By establishing a key hub in Saemangeum, the group aims to lead the global supply chain with domestic technology.

Koo added that while there are concerns about the chasm effect, the U.S. government’s large-scale tax cuts under the Trump administration are accelerating the de-sinicization of battery materials heading to the U.S. This creates favorable conditions for South Korean battery companies entering the American market. LLBS will play a central role in LS Group’s new growth businesses and drive the localization of the battery industry value chain, helping South Korea become a global leader in battery materials.

Strategic Growth Initiatives

Earlier, the LS Group identified battery, electric vehicle, and semiconductor-related businesses as future growth engines while strengthening its existing core industries, including electricity, power, and materials. In October 2023, LLBS was launched as a joint venture between LS Corp., the group’s holding company, and L&F, a high-nickel cathode material specialist. The joint venture focuses on precursor production—a key raw material for cathode materials.

After receiving approval for full factory operations in April this year, LLBS began trial production of precursors. The company aims to produce 20,000 tons by 2026, 40,000 tons by 2027, and 120,000 tons by 2029. This volume is equivalent to materials for 1.3 million electric vehicles.

Supporting Infrastructure Development

LS MnM, LS Group’s non-ferrous metal refining company, is building a factory in Ulsan set for completion in 2027. The project involves an investment of 1.8 trillion won and will mass-produce 62,000 tons annually of nickel sulfate, a core material for precursors. Once operational, LS MnM will supply nickel sulfate to LLBS, which will use it to produce precursors and deliver them to partner company L&F for cathode material production.

This collaboration aims to realize a domestically developed battery industry value chain. Heo Je-hong, Chairman of the Board of L&F, highlighted that the completion of LLBS’s precursor factory marks a turning point for South Korea’s secondary battery industry. He stated that it will serve as a starting point for leading the global transition to eco-friendly energy.

Future Outlook

The expansion of the precursor production capacity is a critical step in securing South Korea's position in the global battery materials market. With increased domestic production capabilities, the country is better positioned to meet the rising demand for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage solutions. The strategic partnerships and investments made by the LS Group underscore the commitment to developing a self-reliant and competitive battery industry.

As the industry continues to evolve, the focus on innovation and sustainability will be essential. The development of advanced battery technologies and the establishment of a robust domestic supply chain will play a vital role in shaping the future of energy storage and transportation. With continued efforts in research and development, South Korea is well on its way to becoming a major player in the global battery market.

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