Li-S Energy (ASX:LIS) has produced Australia’s first lithium metal foils at its battery cell production facility in Geelong, Victoria, establishing a new sovereign manufacturing capability.
New lithium extrusion equipment has been installed, which produced the first 100-micron thick pure lithium metal foils, ahead of schedule.
Li-S Energy, which has a market capitalisation of $83.22 million, says this local manufacturing capability enables it to eliminate reliance on imported lithium foils to make the anode for its lithium sulfur and lithium metal batteries, reduce material lead times and costs, as well as enhance the quality and consistency of its battery cells.
Chief Technology Officer Steve Rowlands says lithium metal foils are essential for delivering high-energy density performance targeted in lithium-sulfur and lithium-metal batteries.
“By producing foils in-house, we have tighter control over thickness, purity and handling conditions – all of which are critical for performance and safety,” Rowlands says.
CEO Lee Finniear says by reducing dependence on overseas supply chains, the company is improving the cost base, enhancing cell quality, and supporting the resilience of Australian manufacturing.
“It also opens the door to export opportunities as international demand for high-impurity lithium foil continues to grow,” Finniear says.
As part of the Australian Government’s Industry Growth Program, Li-S Energy will be installing equipment to roll, laminate, and coat the lithium foils. This will allow it to offer a broader suite of foil products for international markets, alongside to scale up its proprietary nano-material coating technologies.
The lithium metal foil production capability supports Li-S Energy’s broader mission to commercialise high-performance lithium-sulfur and lithium metal batteries for sectors including aerospace, defence, and electric aviation.
Li-S Energy is an Australian lithium-focused company that is delivering lithium-sulfur and lithium-metal cells that offer twice more energy density than conventional lithium-ion.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Li-S Energy
