BASF's Finnish pCAM plant start delayed due to permit appeals

• Two NGOs appealing against permits
• Initial plan was to start end of 2023

BASF is facing a delay of the operational start of its newly built precursor cathode active materials (pCAM) plant in Finland due to two non-governmental organizations (NGOs) appealing against already-granted permits, a spokesperson for the German petrochemicals company confirmed to S&P Global Commodity Insights Feb. 27.

BASF initially aimed to start commercial production at the Harjavalta plant at the end of last year.

"The necessary permit to operate this plant has been granted last year by the relevant authorities," the spokesperson said.

"However, two NGOs have filed an appeal against the already granted permit. Next steps and timing will depend on the furtherance of the judicial process before the Vaasa Administrative Court," said the spokesperson.

The pCAM plant will use renewable energy resources, including hydro, wind and biomass-based power and will be supplied with nickel and cobalt from Nornickel’s adjacent refinery.

The plant is part of BASF’s plan to supply the battery industry and subsequently automotive industry with lower carbon emission cathode active material.

Platts, part of S&P Global Commodity Insights, assessed cobalt metal in-warehouse Rotterdam at $15/lb on Feb. 26, stable from the previous assessment Feb. 23, while the nickel-cobalt black mass EXW Europe payables was at 54% Feb. 26, also stable.