Team size: 30

How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crises to ensure the organisation’s resilience?

In times of instability or crisis, it is essential to have a proactive and structured legal strategy. At Huayou Cobalt, I have developed a comprehensive legal and compliance framework that emphasizes both flexibility and resilience. Our approach integrates real-time monitoring of regulatory changes across jurisdictions, allowing us to swiftly adapt to new requirements, especially in key regions such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Indonesia, and the European Union. Additionally, we conduct regular risk assessments and crisis simulations, ensuring our team is prepared to respond to unforeseen challenges. By maintaining strong communication channels with our global partners and stakeholders, we ensure Huayou’s stability and operational continuity during challenging times.

What are the main projects that you have been involved in recently?

Recently, I have been involved in several high-impact initiatives, for instance the Arcadia Lithium Project Acquisition in Zimbabwe. This acquisition was a significant milestone for Huayou’s expansion in the lithium resources sector. My team and I navigated complex legal challenges, managing regulatory compliance across five jurisdictions, which included local approval processes and antitrust evaluations.

We have also been involved in the partnership with Ford and Vale in Indonesia. This joint venture project involves the development of nickel resources essential for electric vehicle batteries. As this partnership involves multiple countries and complex environmental standards, my team led the compliance and legal framework, including anti-corruption, data privacy, and ESG-related compliance initiatives.

I spearheaded Huayou’s efforts to achieve the ISO37301 compliance management certification, making Huayou the first in the global lithium battery material industry to earn this recognition. This accomplishment underscores our commitment to a high standard of global compliance and governance.

What are some of the main trends impacting the industry sector you work in in China?

Several key trends are shaping the lithium battery materials industry in China like an

increased focus on ESG compliance. With greater regulatory and public scrutiny, companies in the new energy sector are expected to prioritise environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. Huayou is actively advancing green production and setting carbon neutrality goals, which are essential as we align with global sustainability initiatives.

As demand for battery materials grows, so does the need for secure and diversified supply chains. Huayou is expanding internationally to ensure a reliable supply of lithium, nickel, and cobalt, which are critical for meeting global demand in the electric vehicle sector.

Compliance with data privacy regulations, such as the EU’s GDPR, has become a major focus, especially given the volume of personal and business data managed across our global operations.

What is a topic that you are passionate about, and why?

I am passionate about the intersection of sustainable development and global supply chain management in the new energy sector. As a legal professional, I see the critical role compliance and governance play in advancing sustainable practices, particularly in resource extraction and processing. The ability to create systems that support ESG objectives while maintaining profitability is crucial, and I am dedicated to advancing Huayou’s leadership in this area.