POSCO Holdings is liquidating a joint venture established with China's CNGR to produce nickel, a raw material for electric vehicle batteries.

POSCO Holdings announced that its subsidiary, POSCO CNGR Nickel Solution, resolved to dissolve at a general shareholders meeting on the 11th and is proceeding with liquidation procedures through the appointment of a liquidator. Once the liquidation process is completed, POSCO CNGR Nickel Solution is expected to withdraw from POSCO Holdings.

POSCO Holdings. /Courtesy of POSCO Holdings

POSCO CNGR Nickel Solution was established last year as part of the POSCO Group's efforts to build a supply chain for electric vehicle materials in collaboration with China's CNGR. POSCO Holdings and CNGR invested in a 6:4 equity ratio to establish the company. In May of last year, construction began on a nickel production plant in the Pohang Yeongilman 4 Industrial Complex, with a target completion date of 2026. The plan was to produce 50,000 tons of high-purity nickel annually to supply to POSCO FUTURE M and others. It is reported that construction work has not yet started after the commencement.

The POSCO Group is reportedly restructuring its business in response to a slowdown in demand for electric vehicle batteries due to a weak electric vehicle market. Although the group has decided to halt nickel production domestically, it is known to continue producing precursors. Last year, POSCO FUTURE M established the precursor production company C&P Material Technology by investing in an 2:8 equity ratio with CNGR.