Tom Haslett, Director of Energy and Critical Minerals Policy, said that Chinese state-supported investment in mining and processing is distorting global markets and undercutting competitors. The statement was made at an event.
According to The Edge Singapore, Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL) has accelerated its overseas expansion to secure critical battery materials through direct investments in minerals and processing capacity overseas. For example, CATL broke ground on a US$6 billion integrated battery-materials complex in Indonesia, which includes nickel mines, smelters, precursor plants, and recycling facilities. This growth is contributing to CATL maintaining its position as the world’s largest electric vehicle (EV) battery maker and reinforcing China’s dominant role in global clean energy value chains.
Indonesia Miner reported that in 2023, CATL undertook multi-billion-dollar investments overseas, including a nearly US$6 billion project in Indonesia focused on nickel mining and battery precursor manufacturing. Observers note that this reflects broader Chinese efforts totaling over US$20 billion in building mining and mid-stream battery infrastructure globally. Through these financial commitments, CATL aims to secure long-term supply for critical battery inputs, giving it a competitive edge in the EV sector.
According to Energy Storage, CATL’s strategy emphasizes vertical integration by acquiring stakes in mineral assets such as nickel in Indonesia and lithium supply sources and by committing to processing ventures. This integration enables cost reductions, tighter control over pricing, and global market influence. It has triggered regulatory scrutiny in jurisdictions like the U.S. and Europe over concerns about supply dependency and geopolitical risk.
Haslett is an international energy specialist currently serving as Director of Energy & Critical Minerals Policy at the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation. With a career spanning USAID (United States Agency for International Development), the Millennium Challenge Corporation, and extensive engagement in global energy and mining sectors, Haslett provides expertise on international critical minerals policy and development finance. His professional experience covers project oversight for over $500 million in power sector programs, strategic policy development, and technical due diligence on global mining projects.
