I was just about to post a similar article! hehehe anyway here is a snippet:
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
November 28, 2017 / 8:12 PM / a day ago RPT-Volkswagen's talks with cobalt producers end without deal
Reuters Staff
4 Min Read
(Repeats NOV 27 story, no change to text)
By Pratima Desai
LONDON, Nov 27 (Reuters) - Meetings last week between major cobalt producers including mining giant Glencore to supply the world’s largest automaker Volkswagen with the material used to make batteries for electric vehicles ended without a deal, cobalt industry sources said.
In September, Reuters reported exclusively that VW was moving to secure long-term supplies of cobalt for the group’s ambitious electric vehicle plans.
Earlier this month Volkswagen approved a 34 billion euro spending plan by the end of 2022 to accelerate its efforts to become a global leader in electric cars.
“We have requested different options for a hedge from the raw materials industry in the context of a tender ... We have already had constructive talks with the well-known suppliers and will continue those (discussions),” a VW spokesperson said.
“Besides supplies and costs, other topics in discussion include future capacity expansion, sustainability and transparency.”
