Wuxi, 8 June 2026— Chen Kai, Chairman of Azure, led a delegation to visit GEM’s Wuxi Industrial Park to discuss cooperation on next-generation high-nickel cathode materials and high-performance cylindrical battery technologies. The delegation was received by Xu Kaihua, Chairman of GEM, and Wang Min, Joint Controller and Director of GEM.

During the visit, the two sides discussed the development of high-specific-energy, high-power nickel-rich ternary cathode materials, as well as opportunities to deepen collaboration across the new-energy battery value chain. The visit marked a further step in strengthening cooperation between the two companies in advanced battery materials and cylindrical cell technologies.

▲ The core management team of GEM gave a warm welcome to Mr. Chen Kai, Chairman of Azure, and his delegation during their visit to GEM Wuxi Industrial Park

Bond Friendship, Explore Vibrant Circular Industry

Accompanied by Chairman Xu Kaihua, the Azure delegation toured GEM’s Carbon Peaking and Carbon Neutrality Museum, where they were introduced to the company’s circular economy model and its development from urban mining and resource recovery to the production of new energy materials.

Chairman Xu Kaihua outlined GEM’s industrial layout across key battery materials, including cobalt, nickel, lithium and tungsten resources. He also introduced the company’s overseas operations, including QMB Indonesia and the International Green Industrial Park (IGIP), highlighting GEM’s efforts to build an integrated global supply chain for the new energy industry.

▲ Chairman Chen Kai and his delegation visited GEM's Carbon Peaking and Carbon Neutrality Museum

The delegation also visited GEM’s New Energy Materials Research Institute and production facilities for high-nickel cathode materials. During the tour, Azure representatives reviewed GEM’s research and development capabilities covering a range of advanced battery material systems, including high-nickel, ultra-high-nickel, high-voltage, lithium-rich manganese-based and sodium-ion battery cathode materials.

The visit included an overview of GEM’s three-stage innovation platform spanning laboratory research, pilot-scale testing and industrial-scale production. Azure representatives were briefed on the company’s efforts to accelerate the commercialization of next-generation battery materials.

At GEM’s high-nickel ternary cathode material production line, Chairman Xu Kaihua introduced the company’s plans to expand production of Ni90 and higher-grade cathode materials. The products are designed to support high-power battery applications in emerging sectors such as AI infrastructure, robotics and advanced mobility solutions, while also meeting growing demand for high-performance cylindrical batteries.

The delegation also toured the Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Lithium-ion Battery Cathode Materials, where researchers demonstrated performance testing on coin cells and pouch cells produced using GEM cathode materials. Chairman Xu Kaihua noted that the facility plays an important role in ensuring product quality and supporting battery manufacturers in domestic and international markets.

▲ Chairman Chen Kai and his delegation visited GEM’s New Energy Materials Research Institute

▲ Chairman Chen Kai and his delegation visited the Tianpeng Power-dedicated Production Line for high-specific-energy cathode materials at GEM Wuxi Industrial Park

Strong Alliance, Build a New Industrial Cooperation Blueprint

Following the site visit, senior management teams from both companies held strategic discussions on future cooperation in cathode materials, battery technologies and global supply chain development.

During the discussion, Chen expressed appreciation for GEM’s long-term support and highlighted the company’s integrated value chain covering battery recycling, resource recovery, material production and battery reuse. He noted that these capabilities provide a strong foundation for sustainable development across the battery industry.

According to Chen, emerging applications associated with artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, humanoid robotics and advanced mobility solutions are expected to create new demand for high-energy-density battery technologies. He also pointed to the continued advancement of cylindrical battery technologies and their growing market potential.

Chen further outlined Azure’s development plans and expectations for high-voltage and high-specific-energy ternary cathode materials, expressing confidence in the prospects for deeper cooperation between the two companies.

In response, Chairman Xu Kaihua thanked Chen and his team for the visit and emphasized the long-standing partnership between the two companies. He noted that GEM and Azure have worked together for more than a decade and expressed confidence in expanding cooperation as the global energy transition and electrification trends continue to drive demand for advanced battery technologies.

He added that GEM would continue leveraging its global nickel resource network and cathode material capabilities to support Azure’s product development and international growth plans. He also expressed confidence that closer collaboration between the two companies would create new opportunities in the rapidly evolving global new energy market.

Both sides agreed to further strengthen cooperation in high-rate and high-specific-energy cylindrical battery technologies and explore additional opportunities in cathode materials, overseas projects and supply chain development.

▲ GEM–Azure Symposium and Exchange Meeting

This exchange further deepened mutual trust and consensus between the two sides, and clarified the scope and depth of future strategic cooperation in cathode materials, overseas projects and other areas.

As the global transition toward low-carbon energy accelerates, both companies said they will continue exploring opportunities to combine their respective strengths, enhance technological innovation and contribute to the sustainable growth of the new energy industry.

Attending the meeting from Azure were Zang Chengjie, Head of R&D Materials Group, and Yin Jun, Head of Supply Chain Management. GEM representatives included Zhou Bo, Director and Executive Deputy General Manager; Pan Hua, Director, Senior Deputy General Manager and Board Secretary; Chen Yujun, Deputy General Manager; Ma Yongsong, Assistant General Manager; and other senior executives.