New Joint Initiative to Improve the Traceability of Canada’s EV Battery Value Chain

Québec City, QC – October 18, 2024 – In a major step towards establishing Canada as the global leader in sustainable and traceable battery supply chains, OPTEL, Delphi, Norda Stelo, and the Battery Metals Association of Canada (BMAC) have launched a new initiative to demonstrate the superior life-cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance of Canadian-made Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) batteries. This project is supported by Natural Resources Canada’s (NRCan) Global Partnership Initiative (GPI) with grant funding spread over three years. It aims to further secure Canada’s position as the reputed worldwide provider of sustainably sourced minerals and batteries.

Project Context and Goals

As global markets demand more sustainably sourced minerals and batteries, Canada has already emerged as a leader in electric vehicle (EV) and battery manufacturing. Canada’s mining sector is uniquely positioned to lead the global energy transition due to its abundant and conflict-free mineral resources, low-carbon power, and commitment to safe, ethical work practices. This initiative will build on this foundation by creating a Canadian-centric supply chain for EV batteries that demonstrates superior ESG standards. The project will use advanced tools to trace, visualize and ultimately reduce the carbon footprint and ESG performance of a Canadian-centric NMC battery supply chain.

“Our vision is to secure Canada’s place as the global leader in sustainable battery production,” said Louis Roy, President of OPTEL. “Using our OptchainTM platform will provide unprecedented transparency and accountability, ensuring that Canada’s battery supply chain remains at the forefront of sustainability and adheres to international standards.

Value Proposition and Objectives

The primary objective of this initiative is to quantify, track, and trace GHG and ESG metrics, supporting the development of a secure and sustainable Canadian battery supply chain. The project will create new sourcing opportunities, expand market access, and foster transparency for Canada’s battery leaders. It will also strengthen business relationships, attract investment opportunities, support high-value exports, and enhance Canada’s trade position in the EV sector.

Call for Participation

To maximize the impact of this initiative, the project team is calling on the Canadian batteryi ndustry to participate through in-kind hours or financial support. Participants will gain access to all results, methodologies, and GHG calculations (Scope 1, 2, and 3) as well as insights into their own organization’s performance within the Canadian battery ecosystem. All data provided will remain confidential unless specifically authorized for disclosure. Interested industry partners are encouraged to express their interest and provide early input to ensure the initiative maximizes value for all participants. The project team aims to finalize commitments by the end of 2024.

ABOUT OPTEL

For 35 years, OPTEL Group has developed traceability technologies for industries including pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, agrochemicals, and CPG. From raw material to consumer, our hardware and software solutions ensure regulatory compliance and optimize supply chain performance. Optchain, our supply chain visibility platform, supports ESG compliance and transparent product life cycles. Tracksafe provides manufacturing solutions with serialization, aggregation, and AI vision systems, while Verify Brand focuses on downstream traceability, government compliances and counterfeiting prevention. Trusted globally, OPTEL tracks billions of products annually for leading brands. Founded in 1989, OPTEL is a Certified B Corporation headquartered in Canada, with facilities in Germany, Ireland, India and Brazil.

ABOUT DELPHI

Proudly Canadian with global impact, Delphi is a strategic consulting firm specializing in climate change, sustainability, and ESG. Founded 35 years ago, Delphi is a certified B Corp and is part of Profoundry – a collective of like-minded sustainability experts and organizations that includes GLOBE Series, CBSR, and Leading Change Canada. We work with organizations from across Canada’s economy and believe passionately that they can be profitable while also having a positive long-term impact on the environment and society.

ABOUT BMAC

The Battery Metals Association of Canada (BMAC) is a non-profit industry association representing Canada’s battery value chain – right from mineral exploration and extraction, through processing, production and ultimately recycling of batteries at end-of-life. Our work focuses on supporting the development of a robust and enduring battery ecosystem within Canada to facilitate a successful energy transition. We accomplish this by connecting, resourcing and engaging organizations from across the value chain to identify the significant environmental, economic and social opportunities the sector presents and determine path ways to capture this potential.

ABOUT NORDA 

Established in 1963 and headquartered in Quebec, Canada, Norda Stelo stands as an esteemed independent engineering firm. For six decades, it has been distinguished for its comprehensive expertise in executing integrated projects across a spectrum of sectors. These include transportation infrastructures like roads, ports, and railways, as well as diverse industries such as mining and metals, energy, and manufacturing and processing. The firm’s enduring legacy is marked by its commitment to innovation, quality, and the successful delivery of complex projects. Norda Stelo operates in over 50 countries and is B Corp certified, demonstrating its commitment to the common good and sustainability.

For more information, please contact:

Ken Fallu [email protected]

Signed by: OPTEL, Delphi, Norda Stelo, and Battery Metals Association of Canada (BMAC)