BASF, the chemical giant, has announced layoffs at its yet-to-be-launched battery materials plant in Harjavalta, Finland, citing prolonged regulatory delays and uncertainties. The company, which had partnered with Nornickel in 2018 to secure nickel and cobalt feedstock for this facility, expressed frustration over the slow and conflicting regulatory processes that have stalled the plant's operations.
Originally planned to start production by the end of 2020, the Harjavalta plant aimed to supply battery materials sufficient for about 300,000 electric vehicles annually. However, despite receiving initial authorization following an extensive environmental impact assessment in 2020, subsequent permits have faced legal challenges, preventing them from becoming legally binding.
Negotiations on the impending job cuts are set to commence on April 15 and will extend over six weeks. Tomi Oja, CEO of BASF Battery Materials Finland Oy, highlighted the challenges faced by the company in navigating the regulatory landscape, which demands rapid and clear decision-making to match the dynamic pace of the battery industry.
