U.S. seeks EV-battery mineral deals beyond China: diplomat

Undersecretary notes interest from Indonesia, Philippines in bilateral deals

20231002N Indonesia Nickel

A nickel refinery in Indonesia. The U.S. and China are competing to boost ties with mineral-rich developing nations. © Reuters

RINTARO TOBITA, Nikkei staff writer

WASHINGTON -- "All options are available" as the U.S. expands international cooperation to access lithium and other critical minerals used in electric-vehicle batteries, a senior State Department official told Nikkei in a recent interview.

Jose Fernandez, undersecretary for economic growth, energy and the environment, discussed plans to broaden the procurement network via bilateral and multilateral agreements.

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