The race to secure lithium, a key ingredient in battery production, is heating up as demand for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage continues to surge. This news roundup explores the latest developments in the global lithium market, highlighting both investment opportunities and looming supply challenges.
China's Lithium Production Faces Supply Squeeze
China, a major player in the battery supply chain, is facing mounting pressure to secure adequate lithium resources. While the country is aggressively expanding its lithium production, experts at S&P Global predict a shortfall of 8,000 metric tons of lithium chemicals by 2028, potentially pushing prices higher. This looming imbalance is attributed to a combination of factors:
Limited Domestic Resources: China's natural lithium reserves are restricted, limiting the potential for large-scale domestic production.
Cost Challenges: Operating costs in China and key sourcing locations like Zimbabwe remain higher than in Australia.
Seasonal Production Restrictions: Harsh winters in Sichuan province, where China produces most of its lithium, necessitate a production shutdown for several months each year.
Brine Extraction Bottlenecks: While technological advancements have improved brine extraction techniques, older methods still dominate, hindering rapid expansion.
Despite these hurdles, China's lithium production is projected to double by 2028, meeting only 36% of anticipated demand for electric vehicles.
Global Investment Floodgates Open
Recognising the critical role of lithium in the energy transition, investors are pouring billions into the battery sector. Benchmark, a research firm, estimates that at least £1.2 trillion will be needed to meet battery demand by 2040, almost triple the £450 billion required by 2030. This investment will primarily focus on:
Gigafactory Expansion: A significant portion of the investment will be allocated to building new battery cell and pack manufacturing facilities, known as gigafactories.
Battery Recycling: As the number of electric vehicles on the road grows, recycling end-of-life batteries to recover critical materials will become increasingly crucial, requiring £20 billion in investment by 2030 and £125 billion by 2040.
Lithium Mining and Processing: Lithium will require the largest investment of any critical raw material, with £75 billion allocated to its extraction and processing by 2030, doubling to £150 billion by 2040.
Major Deals and Partnerships Shape the Landscape
Ganfeng Lithium Invests in Turkey: China's Ganfeng Lithium, a major lithium resource and technology giant, is expanding its global footprint. They have committed £400 million to a joint venture with YiÄit Akü, Turkey's leading lead-acid battery manufacturer, to build a facility producing 5 gigawatt-hours of lithium battery cells and packs annually.
Pilbara Minerals Acquires Latin Resources: Australia's Pilbara Minerals, a leading lithium miner, is expanding its operations through a £300 million acquisition of Latin Resources. This deal grants Pilbara control of Latin Resources' Salinas Lithium Project in Brazil, bolstering its supply capabilities and opening up new markets.
E3 Lithium Expands Canadian Battery Supply: E3 Lithium is developing a fully integrated lithium brine demonstration facility in Alberta, Canada. This project aims to produce battery-grade lithium carbonate from brines in the Leduc reservoir, positioning Alberta as a key player in the global battery supply chain.
European Energy Metals Targets Finland: Vancouver-based European Energy Metals is expanding its exploration activities in Finland, aiming to secure access to lithium-rich pegmatites. The company's ambitious plans position it as a significant player in the European battery market.
These developments highlight the intense competition and global collaboration that characterize the lithium market. As the demand for battery technologies continues to accelerate, securing a reliable and sustainable supply of lithium remains a top priority for governments, businesses, and investors worldwide.