Material for the positive electrode of batteries is provided that has good conductivity and can be manufactured more cheaply than AgNiO.sub.2. The battery positive electrode material is a conductive chemical compound represented by the general formula Ag.sub.xNi.sub.yO.sub.2 (wherein X/Y is smaller than 1 and not smaller than 0.25). The conductive chemical compound is constituted of a crystal that has an X-ray diffraction main peak that is the same as that of AgNiO.sub.2 (wherein X=Y=1), and does not exhibit a Ag.sub.2O or AgO peak. This conductive compound can be used as an additive to impart conductivity to the silver oxide (Ag.sub.2O) of the positive electrode material.