Vianode to build large-scale clean synthetic graphite plant in Ontario in support of Canada’s contribution to the G7 Critical Minerals Production Alliance
Toronto, Canada and Oslo, Norway, October 31, 2025 - Vianode, a Norwegian producer of advanced battery materials, announced that its first large-scale production facility for low-emission synthetic anode graphite will be developed in Ontario, Canada. Synthetic graphite is an essential component in lithium-ion batteries and is critical for a range of defence and industrial applications. Vianode’s production facility was featured as part of Canada’s leadership in the G7 Critical Minerals Production Alliance and will contribute to the diversification of resilient, domestic supply chains that use this critical mineral.
The project is structured as a phased, multi‑billion‑dollar investment, starting with an initial investment of over CAD 2 billion. Over time, planned expansions will bring total capacity to as much as 150,000 tons annually, supporting a secure North American supply chain for critical minerals that power strategic industries.
“North American supply chains are heavily reliant on graphite sourced from China for lithium-ion batteries, defence technologies, nuclear technology and more. A large-scale facility in Ontario delivering high-performance anode graphite solutions will provide Canada with domestic capacity that will make supply chains more resilient. This scalable project is a key building block that aligns with recent shifts in trade policy and supports our ambition to be a leading and trusted supplier for G7 supply chains,” says Burkhard Straube, CEO of Vianode.
“Canada is proud to support Vianode in advancing critical mineral development that aligns with our national priorities and international commitments, and proud they chose Canada for North America’s first large-scale low-emission synthetic graphite production facility. Through the Critical Minerals Production Alliance, we are working with trusted partners to deploy sovereign tools, mobilize investments and financing, and secure offtake arrangements to accelerate the development of secure, resilient critical minerals supply chains. These minerals will power the clean energy transition, strengthen our defence and manufacturing capabilities, and position Canada as a trusted supplier to our allies,” says the Honourable Tim Hogdson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.
“Canada’s support for Vianode reflects our commitment to responsible resource development and international collaboration. By advancing projects that align with the goals of the Critical Minerals Production Alliance, we are helping to build resilient supply chains, drive innovation, and bolster Canada’s position as a trusted global partner in the continued development of more clean energy and advanced manufacturing,” adds Claude Guay, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.
Synthetic graphite is essential not only for EV batteries, but also for semiconductors, grid-scale electrical storage, nuclear reactors, defence systems, and steel production. As demand accelerates globally, supply chain security is a pressing issue.
Vianode's planned facility will establish a resilient and sustainable battery supply chain in North America and enhance the region’s access to strategic materials, in addition to creating around 300 highly skilled jobs in the initial phase and up to 1000 at full capacity.
Ontario was chosen after an extensive selection and due diligence process. A front-end engineering design (FEED) study has been conducted, and ground preparation works are under way to enable start of production in 2028.
"Canada and Vianode are a perfect match. Ontario is home to major manufacturing hubs, with access to world-class infrastructure and a low-carbon electricity grid. The province has all the characteristics we are looking for. During our North American selection process, I have seen first-hand a strong shared commitment to closing the strategic gaps in the critical minerals supply chain and creating jobs that will strengthen Canada’s economic resilience,” says Emanuele Tricca, Vianode’s Managing Director in Canada.
Vianode has produced synthetic anode graphite at its industrial pilot facility in Kristiansand, Norway since 2021, and in 2024, the company started operations at the world’s most sustainable synthetic anode graphite plant Via ONE at Herøya, Norway. Vianode recently launched the first high-performance anode graphite solution based on recycled materials, as part of its next-generation material series.
Contact
Caroline Schmailzl
Corporate Development and Communication
+49 151 432 69784