As a global leader in the inspection and analysis of battery materials, Alfred H Knight is proud to support the industries driving the energy transition. CESCO Asia Copper Week returns this November 2025, and to celebrate, we shine a spotlight on Simon Sun, Business Development Manager for Asia and China.

With nearly a decade at AHK, Simon brings deep knowledge of battery materials, including lithium, cobalt, production scrap and black mass. His work reflects AHK’s technical excellence and commitment to supporting the energy transition.

SIMON’S PATH INTO BATTERY MATERIALS EXPERTISE

“When your interests and professional skills meet a promising industry, why not give it your all?” Simon says.

He joined Alfred H Knight as the battery materials and circular economy sectors began transforming global trade. From lithium ore and lithium carbonate to the recovery of black mass, Simon’s work spans the full lifecycle of battery materials, helping clients navigate complex markets confidently.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

As Business Development Manager for Asia, Simon connects AHK’s technical capabilities with market opportunities.

“Thanks to our independent third-party status, we can participate across the full value chain of battery materials,” he explains. “Tracking critical materials and enabling trade through reliable inspection and analysis is both interesting and rewarding.”

Simon’s role involves interpreting technical data, liaising with clients and coordinating regional teams to ensure smooth operations.

Yu Jianxin, Zhang Hua, Liu Jiaojiao, Li Bo, Dr Laurance Donnelly, Simon Sun, Fiona Yang and Barry Wen.

CHALLENGES AND TRENDS IN ASIA’S BATTERY MATERIALS MARKET

In a fast-moving sector like lithium and battery materials, precision and clarity are crucial.

“We help clients understand the quality of the goods they trade, such as black mass,” Simon says. “Quality affects customs clearance and determines value. Our services help clients manage risk and make informed decisions.”

As Asia’s circular economy grows, the need for transparent, verifiable data has never been greater. As a result, independent inspection, sampling and analysis remain essential for maintaining trust and enabling trade.

DRIVING CLIENT SUCCESS AND INDUSTRY STANDARDS

Simon and his team support manufacturers by interpreting factory certificates, conducting benchmarking tests, and advising on quality control.

“Our expertise helps clients improve testing techniques, raise standards, and gain confidence in trade,” he explains. “By ensuring accurate sampling and analysis of battery materials, we contribute to the sustainable growth of the sector in Asia.”

LIFE AT ALFRED H KNIGHT

Having worked at AHK for nearly a decade, Simon reflects on the company’s collaborative culture:

“I started in a laboratory role before moving into business development. The professional environment here allows you to explore new ideas and see them recognised.”

From launching new capabilities to establishing AHK’s first fire assay experiment in Tianjin, Simon has helped shape AHK’s footprint in China, building lasting relationships and technical excellence.

LOOKING AHEAD TO ASIA COPPER WEEK 2025

This month, Simon and AHK’s global team will attend CESCO Asia Copper Week, an event for miners, smelters, and traders to discuss industry developments, trends, and the future of metals and battery materials.

If you’re attending Asia Copper Week, make sure to meet Simon and the rest of the AHK team to discuss your operations and see where we can support you.

LOOKING FOR A PARTNER WITH BATTERY MATERIALS EXPERTISE?

Alfred H Knight provides independent inspection, sampling, and analytical services for battery materials, lithium, black mass, and other critical resources.

Get in touch with our experts to learn how we can support your battery materials operations.