AMG to Produce Lithium Concentrate in Portugal by 2027

AMG

Focus Keyphrase: AMG lithium concentrate Portugal

AMG lithium concentrate Portugal production is set to begin in 2027, marking a strategic expansion of the European battery supply chain. Dutch firm AMG Critical Materials signed an exclusive agreement with Grupo Lagoa to develop a spodumene concentrate project in Portugal.

Initial capacity will reach 8,000–9,000 metric tonnes per year, contingent on regulatory approvals. AMG will provide a €10 million loan to fund the pilot plant, ensuring future feedstock for its German lithium hydroxide refinery.

A Strategic Link Between Portugal and Germany

AMG lithium concentrate Portugal operations will directly support the company’s Bitterfeld plant in Germany. This aligns with AMG’s vertical integration strategy — sourcing spodumene locally in Europe and processing it into battery-grade lithium hydroxide.

Grupo Lagoa, which has operated a pegmatite mine since 1984, brings critical local expertise. Meanwhile, AMG leverages its Brazilian experience to scale operations efficiently in a similar geological setting.

Supporting Europe's Battery Supply Chain

The AMG lithium concentrate Portugal initiative reflects the EU’s ambition to reduce battery raw material dependence on non-European sources. By producing and refining spodumene within Europe, AMG strengthens lithium self-sufficiency for the continent’s growing EV sector.

AMG’s expansion builds on its existing Brazilian supply chain and reinforces its commitment to localization. Market-based pricing will determine concentrate supply costs, ensuring economic viability alongside strategic value.

The Metalnomist Commentary

AMG’s entry into Portugal underscores a growing trend of reshoring lithium supply chains in Europe. By pairing resource development with processing capacity, AMG is well-positioned to support EU battery independence initiatives.

Sigma Lithium Surpasses Q4 Production Target, Plans Major Expansion in Brazil

Sigma Lithium

Sigma Lithium has outperformed its fourth-quarter production target, producing approximately 75,000 metric tonnes (t) of lithium concentrate, well above its expected 60,000t. The Canadian lithium miner’s total 2024 output reached 240,000t, positioning it as one of the leading players in the global lithium market.

Looking ahead, Sigma expects to exceed its 2025 production guidance of 270,000t of lithium concentrate from its Greentech lithium beneficiation plant in Brazil, reinforcing its strategy to expand output amid growing demand for battery-grade lithium.

Ambitious Expansion Plans to Boost Lithium Supply

Sigma Lithium is aggressively increasing its lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) capacity, aiming to reach 125,000t LCE annually by 2026. With a conversion ratio of 7.4t of lithium concentrate per 1t of LCE, this expansion aligns with the company’s goal of securing a stronger foothold in the electric vehicle (EV) battery supply chain.

The company’s expansion plan includes:

• Phase 2 expansion: Commissioning in 2025, adding 34,000t LCE/yr (equivalent to 250,000t lithium concentrate annually).

• Phase 3 expansion: Scheduled for 2026, increasing capacity by 54,000t LCE/yr (equivalent to 400,000t lithium concentrate annually).

These expansions are set to enhance Sigma's role as a key lithium supplier, further contributing to the global energy transition and EV battery material demand.

Conclusion

With record-breaking lithium production in 2024 and an aggressive capacity expansion strategy, Sigma Lithium is on track to become a dominant force in the lithium market. As demand for EV batteries and renewable energy storage continues to rise, Sigma’s increased production capacity will play a vital role in meeting the world’s growing lithium needs.

Hancock Lithium Mine Plan Advances as Spodumene Prices Recover

Hancock Lithium Mine

Hancock lithium mine plans in Western Australia are moving forward as stronger lithium concentrate prices revive confidence in large-scale spodumene development. Hancock Prospecting plans to build the A$1bn Andover mine, targeting production of up to 1.1mn t/yr of lithium concentrate.

Hancock lithium mine construction is scheduled to start in November 2028, with a two-year construction period. The project is planned for a 30-year operating life and would process 6mn t/yr of ore.

Hancock lithium mine development reflects a shift in lithium sentiment after the deep price collapse that forced project delays and suspensions across the sector. Spodumene prices have rebounded as Chinese battery demand improves and supply expectations tighten.

The Andover project is strategically important because Australia remains one of the world’s key hard-rock lithium supply bases. New capacity from Western Australia could support converters, battery producers and electric vehicle supply chains seeking long-term spodumene feedstock.

Andover Adds Scale to Western Australia’s Spodumene Pipeline

The Andover mine would become a major new lithium concentrate source if developed as planned. Annual output of up to 1.1mn t would give the project meaningful weight in the seaborne spodumene market.

The project sits within a broader ownership structure shaped by recent consolidation. Hancock Prospecting and Chilean lithium producer SQM partnered to acquire Azure Minerals in a A$1.7bn deal completed in May 2024 through their jointly owned company, SH Mining.

Andover is 60% owned by Azure, while Croydon Gold, a subsidiary of the Creasy Group, holds the remaining 40%. The involvement of Hancock and SQM gives the project both Australian mining strength and global lithium-market experience.

SQM’s role is especially relevant. The Chilean producer brings downstream lithium market knowledge, while Hancock adds financial capacity and Australian project execution capability.

The planned 30-year mine life also matters. Battery supply chains need long-duration feedstock sources, not only short-cycle spot supply. A project of this scale could support long-term offtake and conversion strategies.

Price Recovery Revives Lithium Project Economics

The Andover plan comes after a sharp recovery in spodumene concentrate prices. Prices rose in April as tighter supply expectations followed Zimbabwe’s introduction of export quotas for lithium concentrate.

Spodumene prices had previously collapsed to $900-1,100/t cif China in January 2024, down 83% after supply growth outpaced demand. That downturn forced many lithium developers to slow, delay or reassess projects.

Prices later began recovering in late 2025 as demand from China’s lithium-ion battery sector improved market sentiment. Stronger pricing has now made large hard-rock projects more attractive again.

However, lithium remains a volatile market. New supply from Australia, Africa, South America and China can quickly change balances if demand growth slows or inventories rebuild.

For Hancock, timing will be critical. Construction is not expected to start until late 2028, meaning the project will enter the market after the current price recovery has already been tested by several more years of battery demand and supply growth.

The strategic value remains clear. If lithium demand continues to rise from electric vehicles and energy storage, Andover could become an important feedstock source for global converters. If supply again expands too quickly, project economics may face renewed pressure.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Hancock’s Andover plan shows that lithium investment confidence is returning, but only for projects with scale, strong sponsors and long-term strategic value. The market has recovered from its deepest downturn, but future winners will still need cost discipline and secure downstream demand.

Yongshan Lithium Molybdenum Output Falls as Concentrate Supply Tightens

Yongshan Lithium

Yongshan Lithium molybdenum output declined in 2025 as tight molybdenum concentrate supply reduced production of ferro-molybdenum alloy and roasted concentrate. The Jilin-based metals producer reported lower output and sales across its molybdenum business.

Yongshan Lithium molybdenum output fell despite firmer molybdenum prices and continued demand from high-quality special steel. Feedstock availability became the main constraint, limiting the company’s ability to maintain production volumes.

Yongshan Lithium molybdenum output reflects a wider pressure point in China’s molybdenum market. Alloy producers need concentrate feedstock, but tight supply and higher unroasted concentrate prices increased procurement pressure during the year.

The company, also known as Jixiang Molybdenum or New China Dragon Molybdenum, produced 17,631t of ferro-molybdenum alloy in 2025, down 22% from a year earlier. Sales fell by 23% to 18,018t.

Concentrate Tightness Hits Ferro-Molybdenum Production

Yongshan’s ferro-molybdenum alloy production was directly affected by constrained concentrate supply. The company purchased concentrate and alloy from other plants during the year to support regular production and sales.

This shows how dependent ferro-molybdenum producers remain on reliable upstream feedstock. Even when downstream demand is firm, alloy plants cannot maintain output without stable concentrate availability.

Roasted molybdenum concentrate output fell more sharply. Yongshan produced 29,679t in 2025, down 34% from a year earlier, because unroasted concentrate feedstock prices trended higher.

Sales of roasted concentrate dropped by 55% to 6,894t. The steep fall suggests that more material was needed internally or that market conditions made external sales less attractive.

Molybdenum concentrate is the key input for ferro-molybdenum, which is used in special steel, stainless steel, energy equipment, chemical processing, aerospace and defence-related applications. Tight concentrate supply therefore affects the entire alloy value chain.

Higher Prices Support Market but Not Volumes

China’s ferro-molybdenum market remained supported by tight feedstock and stronger consumption from high-quality special steel producers. Average domestic prices for 60% ferro-molybdenum alloy rose by 5.2% in 2025 to 246,307 yuan/t ex-works.

Roasted concentrate prices also increased. Average prices for 57% grade roasted concentrate rose by 6.1% year on year to 3,939 yuan/mtu.

The price gains show that molybdenum demand remained resilient in higher-value steel applications. However, Yongshan’s results also show that higher prices do not automatically translate into higher output when feedstock supply is constrained.

The company plans to optimise its molybdenum product structure in 2026. It aims to phase out low-margin and low-value-added products while advancing energy-saving and cost-reduction initiatives.

This is a logical response to a tighter raw material environment. When concentrate is expensive and difficult to secure, producers must prioritise higher-margin products and improve operating efficiency.

Yongshan formally changed its name from Jixiang Molybdenum in July 2024, reflecting a stronger focus on the lithium industry. Even so, molybdenum remains an important part of its industrial metals base.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Yongshan’s weaker molybdenum output shows that China’s alloy chain is being constrained upstream, not only by end-use demand. In a tight concentrate market, the competitive advantage will shift toward producers with secure feedstock, higher-value alloy products and stronger cost control.

Australia's Lithium Concentrate Exports Surge in First Half of 2024

Australia's lithium concentrate (spodumene) exports saw a significant increase in the first half of 2024, reaching approximately 1.94 million metric tons. This growth was largely driven by robust demand in the second quarter, particularly from South Korea and Indonesia, as they began to ramp up their imports of Australian lithium supplies.

From April to June, exports surged by 49% year-over-year to 1.26 million tons, contributing to a 9.9% rise in total first-half shipments, according to data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. China remained the dominant importer, accounting for nearly 95% of Australia's lithium concentrate exports, with volumes rising by 4.6% to 1.84 million tons. This surge is closely tied to China's continued growth in new energy vehicle (NEV) sales and production, which remains strong despite global concerns about slowing electric vehicle (EV) growth in other regions such as Europe and the United States.

South Korea's imports of spodumene experienced a dramatic increase, rising to 71,441 tons in the first half of the year from just 1,240 tons a year earlier. This spike follows the completion of the country's first lithium hydroxide plant late last year, which has since started production. The plant, a joint venture between Australian lithium producer Pilbara Minerals and South Korean conglomerate Posco, delivered its first lithium hydroxide order in April.

Indonesia also saw a sharp increase in spodumene imports, reaching 25,098 tons from a mere 60 tons the previous year. This growth coincides with the launch of pilot production at a lithium plant in Indonesia by Chinese lithium salts producer Chengxin Lithium, which extracts lithium from hard rock ores.

Despite these gains, the lithium market faces challenges. While most Australian lithium producers reported higher spodumene output in the second quarter—including companies like Pilbara Minerals, Mineral Resources, and Core Lithium—Core Lithium has paused its processing operations since June due to the weak lithium market conditions.

Australia's lithium concentrate exports (t)

* Source : Australian Bureau of Statistics

E3 Lithium and Pure Lithium Collaborate to Revolutionize Lithium Metal Battery Production

E3 Lithium

Canadian lithium developer E3 Lithium and innovative battery manufacturer Pure Lithium have signed an agreement to push the boundaries of lithium metal battery production. The two companies will design a lithium metal anode and battery pilot plant near Calgary, Alberta, leveraging lithium concentrate produced by E3.

Simplifying Lithium Battery Production

The partnership aims to evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of a full-scale lithium metal battery facility located adjacent to lithium production sites in Alberta. By merging Pure Lithium’s brine-to-battery technology with E3’s lithium brines and concentrate production, the collaboration seeks to eliminate the need for a lithium salt intermediary, streamlining the battery production process.

The companies have been working together since mid-2022, achieving a major milestone when Pure Lithium produced a lithium metal battery using E3’s lithium concentrate.

A Vision for Vertical Integration

Once the pilot project is complete, the facility is expected to produce 200kg of lithium metal anodes for lithium metal vanadium rechargeable batteries. If successful, this collaboration could lead to the development of the world’s first vertically integrated lithium metal battery technology, a groundbreaking achievement in the energy storage sector.

Driving Innovation in Alberta

This partnership could position Alberta as a hub for sustainable lithium battery production, with implications for the global battery market. As demand for high-performance batteries rises, this innovative approach could significantly impact the future of energy storage solutions.

E3 Lithium and Pure Lithium Join Forces to Revolutionize Battery Production in Canada

In a move set to redefine the landscape of battery manufacturing, Canadian lithium developer E3 Lithium has entered into a collaboration with battery manufacturer Pure Lithium. The two companies have signed an agreement to advance the design and development of a cutting-edge lithium metal anode and battery pilot plant in Canada.

This new facility, to be located near Calgary, Alberta, will leverage lithium concentrate produced by E3 Lithium, utilizing it in the creation of a lithium metal anode—a critical component for next-generation batteries. The partnership aims to explore the technical and economic feasibility of establishing a commercial-scale lithium metal battery facility in proximity to Alberta's rich lithium production sites.

By integrating Pure Lithium's innovative brine-to-battery technology with E3’s established lithium brines and concentrate production, the collaboration seeks to streamline the battery production process by eliminating the need for a lithium salt intermediary. This simplification could lead to more efficient and cost-effective battery manufacturing.

E3 Lithium and Pure Lithium have been collaborating since mid-2022, during which time Pure Lithium successfully produced a lithium metal battery using E3’s lithium concentrate. The upcoming pilot project will be a significant step towards commercial production, with plans to potentially scale up to produce 200kg of lithium metal anodes for advanced lithium metal vanadium rechargeable batteries.

If the pilot proves successful, the companies intend to pursue the development of the world’s first vertically integrated lithium metal battery technology, setting a new standard in the global battery industry.

Appalachian Lithium Reserves Could Strengthen US Domestic Supply Security

USGS

Appalachian lithium reserves could give the US a much larger domestic resource base than previously recognised, according to a new assessment from the US Geological Survey. The agency said the eastern US Appalachian region may contain enough undiscovered, economically recoverable lithium to replace 328 years of US imports at 2025 levels.

Appalachian lithium reserves are hosted in pegmatites, large-grained rocks similar to granite. The southern Appalachian region is estimated to contain 1.43mn t of lithium oxide, while the northern Appalachian region holds another 0.90mn t.

Appalachian lithium reserves matter because the US still depends heavily on imported lithium. The country has only one current lithium producer and relied on imports for more than half of its supply in 2025.

The assessment adds another possible domestic supply route alongside lithium brine projects in the Smackover formation. Together, these resources could reshape US lithium strategy if they can be converted into permitted, economic and commercially scalable projects.

Pegmatite Resources Add a Hard-Rock Lithium Option

The Appalachian assessment points to hard-rock lithium potential in the eastern US. Pegmatite-hosted lithium is different from brine-based production because it usually requires mining, concentration and chemical conversion.

This gives the US another possible supply pathway. Hard-rock projects can produce spodumene concentrate, which can then be converted into lithium chemicals for batteries, energy storage and industrial uses.

Albemarle is already planning a lithium concentrator facility at Kings Mountain, North Carolina. The project is designed to produce 420,000 t/yr of lithium concentrate from spodumene.

That project is important because it could help rebuild a US hard-rock lithium supply chain. Domestic spodumene production would reduce reliance on foreign raw material and support future US conversion capacity.

However, resource estimates alone do not guarantee supply. Appalachian lithium projects would still need exploration, permitting, mine development, processing investment, environmental approvals and downstream customer qualification.

The strategic significance is still clear. The US lithium conversation is expanding beyond Nevada brines and western projects into eastern hard-rock resources with long-term supply potential.

Smackover Brines and Appalachian Pegmatites Broaden US Lithium Strategy

The Appalachian estimate follows earlier USGS work on the Smackover formation in southwest Arkansas. In 2024, the agency assessed that Smackover brines contain 5mn-19mn t of lithium, although it did not define economically recoverable volumes.

Several companies, including Equinor, ExxonMobil, EnergyX and Standard Lithium, are developing lithium projects in the Smackover region. Some are targeting commercial output around 2027.

The Smackover and Appalachian resource bases are strategically different but complementary. Smackover projects depend on brine extraction and processing technologies, while Appalachian projects would likely depend on hard-rock mining and spodumene concentration.

This diversification matters for US supply security. A lithium strategy based on multiple geological sources is more resilient than one dependent on a single basin, technology or company.

The US will still need processing capacity. Mining lithium ore or extracting lithium from brine does not automatically create battery-grade lithium carbonate or hydroxide.

That midstream gap remains the critical issue. Domestic resources must be connected to refining, chemical conversion, permitting, infrastructure and offtake agreements before they can reduce import dependence.

For battery manufacturers, the Appalachian assessment offers a long-term signal. More domestic resource potential could support future supply chains for electric vehicles, grid storage and defence-related battery applications.

The Metalnomist Commentary

The Appalachian lithium assessment is a resource-security signal, not an immediate supply solution. The US has the geology, but the decisive bottleneck will be converting resources into permitted mines, concentrators and battery-grade lithium chemicals.

Atlas Lithium Ships Brazil Processing Plant from South Africa

Atlas Lithium

Company Advances Towards Lithium Concentrate Production

Atlas Lithium will ship its new processing plant from South Africa to Brazil next week. This modular dense media separation (DMS) lithium processing plant is a key step. Consequently, the company is advancing towards lithium concentrate production.

Specifically, the shipment will occur on January 31st. It comprises 10 bulk items and 141 containers. Furthermore, the plant will have a Phase I production capacity of 150,000 metric tonnes (t)/yr of lithium concentrate. Plans exist to double capacity to 300,000 t/yr in Phase II. However, the installation timing remains undisclosed.

Moreover, Atlas Lithium focuses on developing its hard rock lithium project in Minas Gerais, Brazil. They intend to mine and process lithium-bearing ore. Therefore, they will produce lithium concentrate.

"A mining company's capital expenditure for production is one of its greatest risk factors," said chief executive Marc Fogassa. "In our case, we have diminished this risk substantially." Indeed, their DMS plant is fully paid for and titled to Atlas Lithium. This constitutes a significant advantage.

Additionally, in October, the firm received permits. These permits were from the state of Minas Gerais in Brazil. They allow the company to build and operate the lithium refinery.

Zimbabwe to Ban Lithium Concentrate Exports from 2027

Zimbabwe lithium Mining

Government Push for Domestic Processing

Zimbabwe will impose a ban on lithium concentrate exports starting 1 January 2027, according to mines minister Winston Chitando. The policy follows a 2022 ban on raw ore exports and seeks to encourage investment in local processing facilities and battery material plants. Zimbabwe holds Africa’s largest lithium reserves, with Chinese firms already dominating its mining sector.

Two new plants, backed by Sinomine and Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt, are under construction and expected to begin operations in 2027. These facilities will produce lithium sulphate, a key intermediate that can be refined into battery-grade lithium hydroxide or lithium carbonate.

Chinese Investment and Global Market Implications

Chinese companies remain committed to Zimbabwe’s lithium sector despite lithium prices falling nearly 90% since 2022. This long-term strategy reflects Beijing’s broader effort to secure critical minerals for its electric vehicle and energy storage industries. The upcoming export ban will strengthen Zimbabwe’s role in global lithium supply chains by shifting the country toward value-added production.

Zimbabwe’s policy aligns with a growing African trend of restricting raw mineral exports to promote domestic industrialization. For instance, Gabon recently announced a manganese ore export ban from 2029, while Guinea, Mali, Tanzania, and the DRC have implemented similar measures for bauxite, gold, and cobalt.

Strategic Positioning in the Global Battery Market

By enforcing the lithium concentrate export ban, Zimbabwe is positioning itself as a future hub for processed battery materials rather than a raw material supplier. This policy could attract further downstream investment while also reshaping trade flows, especially for EV and renewable energy supply chains. However, success will depend on whether domestic refining capacity can keep pace with rising demand.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Zimbabwe’s lithium export ban signals a decisive shift toward resource nationalism and value-added production. For global supply chains, this move underscores Africa’s emerging role in shaping critical mineral strategies. Investors and downstream users must adapt to a future where raw materials are less available, but refined products become central to supply security.

Sinomine Lithium and Copper Expansion Targets Zimbabwe and Zambia Growth

Sinomine Resources

Sinomine lithium and copper expansion is accelerating as the Chinese miner prepares to raise up to 5.2bn yuan to fund new battery metals, copper and specialty metals projects. The targeted share placement will support projects in Zimbabwe, Zambia and Jiangxi province.

Sinomine lithium and copper expansion reflects the company’s move from a lithium-focused growth story into a broader multi-metal platform. The company entered lithium through the Bikita mine in Zimbabwe in 2021 and added copper exposure through its 65% stake in Zambia’s Kitumba project in 2024.

Sinomine lithium and copper expansion also shows how Chinese mining companies are securing upstream resources while building processing capacity closer to mine sites. That strategy is becoming more important as resource-rich countries push for more domestic value addition.

The fundraising plan will support a 100,000 t/yr lithium sulphate plant in Zimbabwe, the Kitumba copper project in Zambia, and a 2,000 t/yr caesium and rubidium products project in Jiangxi.

Kitumba Copper Project Strengthens Sinomine’s Diversification

The Kitumba copper project is central to Sinomine’s move into copper. Development is advancing through equipment procurement, civil works and installation, with trial concentrator production targeted by the third quarter of 2026.

Full concentrator commissioning is expected in the fourth quarter of 2026. Smelter trial production is also targeted for the fourth quarter, with full operations expected from the first quarter of 2027.

Kitumba’s mining and processing design capacity remains 3.5mn t/yr of ore. However, smelting design capacity has been revised down to 35,000 t/yr of copper cathode from the previous 60,000 t/yr.

At full capacity, the project is expected to average 33,000 t/yr of copper cathode and 55,000 t/yr of copper concentrate. This gives Sinomine exposure to both refined copper and concentrate flows.

The project matters because copper demand is increasingly tied to grids, electric vehicles, data centres, renewable energy and industrial electrification. Chinese miners are therefore looking beyond lithium to secure copper assets that can support long-term energy transition demand.

Zambia also gives Sinomine a strategic position in the African copper belt. The region remains one of the most important sources of copper growth, but project execution will depend on infrastructure, power, permitting and smelting economics.

Zimbabwe Lithium Sulphate Plan Moves Processing Downstream

Sinomine’s Bikita lithium operations in Zimbabwe have already ramped up after commissioning 2mn t/yr and 1.2mn t/yr expansion projects in July 2023. The projects reached designed capacity and product specifications by November 2023.

Lithium concentrate shipments to China have continued, but Zimbabwe’s policy environment is pushing Chinese lithium firms to process more material locally. The country imposed a ban on concentrate exports in February, accelerating interest in lithium sulphate production.

Sinomine’s planned 100,000 t/yr lithium sulphate plant fits that shift. Details on construction timing and commissioning have not yet been disclosed, but the strategic direction is clear.

Lithium sulphate gives producers a way to move further downstream before exporting material to China or other battery chemical markets. It also helps satisfy local value-addition requirements while preserving access to Zimbabwe’s lithium resource base.

Other Chinese battery materials companies are moving in the same direction. Huayou Cobalt shipped its first lithium sulphate cargo from Zimbabwe to China on 25 April, showing that the processing route is already becoming commercially active.

Sinomine’s specialty metals platform adds another layer. The company is a leading producer of caesium and rubidium salts, with integrated mining, processing and advanced materials capabilities.

The planned 2,000 t/yr caesium and rubidium products project in Jiangxi supports higher-value specialty materials growth. These metals serve specialised industrial, electronic and advanced technology applications.

Sinomine’s latest fundraising plan therefore points to a more integrated strategy. The company is securing lithium, adding copper, and expanding specialty metals processing while responding to changing export rules and downstream demand.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Sinomine’s strategy shows how Chinese miners are adapting to a world where resource ownership alone is no longer enough. The next advantage will come from controlling mine supply, local processing and downstream product routes across lithium, copper and specialty metals.

Mt Marion Lithium Expansion Advances as MinRes and Ganfeng Lift Spodumene Supply

Mineral Resources

Mt Marion lithium expansion is moving ahead after Mineral Resources and Jiangxi Ganfeng Lithium reached a final investment decision on a A$490mn upgrade at the Western Australian mine. The project will raise 6% spodumene concentrate output from 500,000 t/yr to 600,000 t/yr.

Mt Marion lithium expansion reflects renewed confidence in spodumene markets after a period of stronger pricing, Chinese demand and supply disruption from Zimbabwean export controls. The decision also reinforces Australia’s role as a core lithium feedstock supplier to global battery material chains.

Mt Marion lithium expansion includes A$220mn for underground mine development, A$240mn for a flotation plant and A$30mn for non-processing infrastructure. Construction is scheduled to begin in July-September.

The partners expect to commission the mine within 12 months of construction starting, with production ramp-up over the following six months. That timeline makes Mt Marion an important near-term growth project in the Australian hard-rock lithium sector.

Underground Mining Extends Mine Life and Feed Flexibility

The underground mine will supplement ore from the existing open pit and contribute up to 40% of processing feed. This will extend Mt Marion’s remaining mine life by six years beyond the previous estimate of 10 years.

That is strategically important because mine life extension improves supply visibility for customers and investors. Battery chemical producers need stable spodumene feedstock to support long-term lithium hydroxide and lithium carbonate production.

The underground development also gives MinRes and Ganfeng more operational flexibility. Combining open-pit and underground ore can support feed blending, grade control and continuity as the mine matures.

The project will cause minimal disruption to existing operations, according to the company. That matters because the mine is already a major producing asset and any downtime could affect near-term shipments.

Mt Marion is also backed by a strong downstream partner. Ganfeng is one of China’s leading lithium companies, giving the project a direct link to one of the world’s largest battery materials markets.

Flotation Plant Targets Higher-Grade Product Mix

The new flotation plant will remove SC3.5 product from MinRes’ mix and deliver a minimum SC5 grade product. This is a key upgrade because higher-grade concentrate can improve processing efficiency for downstream converters.

SC6 remains the benchmark product for hard-rock lithium supply. Increasing SC6 output to 600,000 t/yr gives Mt Marion stronger exposure to higher-value concentrate markets.

The investment economics are highly sensitive to price. At an assumed SC6 price of $2,700/t, MinRes expects the expansion payback period to be less than one year.

Spodumene prices have risen in recent months, supported by Zimbabwe’s lithium concentrate export controls and strong Chinese demand. The latest Australian SC6 assessment was $2,661/t on 19 May, down from $2,811/t a week earlier but still elevated enough to support renewed investment.

MinRes also cited higher lithium prices as a reason for restarting operations at its Bald Hill mine in Western Australia. Together, these moves suggest producers are again positioning for stronger lithium feedstock demand.

The broader lithium market remains volatile, but the Mt Marion decision shows that high-quality Australian assets can still attract capital when pricing, partners and mine-life extension align.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Mt Marion’s expansion shows that lithium investment is returning first to established, scalable assets with strong downstream links. The key lesson is that the next lithium cycle will reward producers that can improve grade, extend mine life and secure reliable routes into China’s battery supply chain.

PLS Lithium Phosphate Offtake Signals Shift Toward Midstream Battery Materials

PLS Lithium

PLS lithium phosphate offtake with China’s Ningbo Ronbay New Energy Technology marks a strategic step by the Australian lithium producer into higher-value battery materials. The agreement covers lithium phosphate from PLS’ midstream lithium refining demonstration plant.

PLS lithium phosphate offtake gives the company an early customer pathway as it tests whether spodumene can be converted into an intermediate chemical product with broader downstream appeal. The plant is scheduled to deliver first product in the third quarter of 2026.

PLS lithium phosphate offtake also links the company directly with Ronbay, one of the world’s largest lithium iron phosphate cathode material producers. Ronbay will provide technical support as PLS works to optimise product quality and specification.

The agreement’s price and volume details were not disclosed. But the pricing structure will broadly reference lithium chemical prices, with a proportional mechanism similar to spodumene pricing.

Lithium Phosphate Could Shorten the LFP Supply Chain

PLS’ demonstration plant is designed to produce more than 3,000 t/yr of lithium phosphate. It will consume about 27,000 t/yr of spodumene.

The company took full ownership of the plant from former joint-venture partner Calix in February. That gives PLS more control over the development route as it moves beyond conventional lithium concentrate sales.

The strategic importance lies in the possible use of lithium phosphate as a direct feedstock for LFP cathode production. Some LFP cathode producers are testing lithium phosphate instead of lithium carbonate because it could shorten processing steps and reduce total production costs.

This matters because LFP batteries are gaining share in electric vehicles and energy storage systems. Cathode producers want lower-cost, reliable and scalable lithium inputs that can support high-volume manufacturing.

If lithium phosphate can meet strict cathode specifications, PLS could access a new customer base. Instead of selling only to lithium hydroxide or carbonate converters, it could sell directly into cathode material supply chains.

That would move PLS closer to battery manufacturers and allow it to capture more margin inside the lithium value chain.

Quality Testing Will Determine Commercial Potential

The opportunity remains at an early stage. PLS has warned that lithium phosphate must meet demanding quality requirements before it can become a commercial cathode feedstock.

Battery material customers require tight control over impurities, consistency, particle characteristics and chemical performance. A product that works technically at small scale must still prove reliability across repeated production.

Ronbay’s role is therefore important. As a major LFP cathode producer, it can provide practical feedback on product suitability, processing performance and downstream qualification needs.

The agreement also reflects a broader trend in lithium markets. Producers are no longer focused only on mining and concentrate production. They are looking for midstream products that can reduce processing complexity and improve customer access.

For PLS, lithium phosphate could serve multiple markets. It may supply existing lithium chemical producers, while also opening a direct route to cathode manufacturers.

The demonstration plant will test whether that strategy can move from concept to commercial scale. If successful, it could give spodumene producers a new pathway into battery materials without fully entering carbonate or hydroxide production.

The Metalnomist Commentary

PLS’ lithium phosphate strategy is a clear attempt to move higher in the battery value chain without jumping directly into full chemical conversion. The key test will be whether cathode makers accept lithium phosphate as a reliable feedstock at scale, not just as a technical possibility.

Ganfeng Lithium Begins Production of Spodumene Concentrate at Goulamina Mine in Mali

Ganfeng Lithium

Ganfeng Lithium, one of the world's leading producers of lithium, has officially started producing spodumene concentrate at its Goulamina lithium mine in Mali. This marks a significant step in the development of the mine, which is being constructed in two phases. The first phase, which began in 2022, has a production capacity of 506,000 tonnes per year (t/yr) of spodumene concentrate, with commercial production starting on December 15, 2024. The second phase, when completed, will raise the total capacity to 1 million t/yr.

Goulamina Lithium Mine: A Major Step for Ganfeng's Global Lithium Supply

The Goulamina project is one of Ganfeng's key international investments, located in Mali, a country that is becoming increasingly significant in the global lithium supply chain. The mine has a total resource base of 7.14 million tonnes (mn t) of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE), with an average grade of 1.37% lithium oxide (Li2O), a quality that positions it as a key source of lithium in the coming years.

As part of its development, Ganfeng has announced that its wholly owned subsidiary Lithium du Mali SA (LMSA) holds a 100% stake in the project. However, in a move to strengthen its relationship with the host nation, Ganfeng will transfer a 35% stake in LMSA to the Mali government. This will see the government receive 10% of the stake for free, while the remaining 25% will be acquired for approximately $32 million.

Expanding Ganfeng’s Global Lithium Portfolio

Ganfeng Lithium is investing heavily in lithium extraction from both spodumene ore and brine sources across the globe. In addition to the Goulamina mine, Ganfeng has major operations in Australia, Argentina, Mexico, Ireland, and China. The company is also ramping up its Cauchari-Olaroz project in Argentina, which boasts an annual 40,000 t/yr capacity for lithium carbonate production.

The move to secure assets in Africa is part of a broader trend among Chinese lithium producers, who are increasingly looking to diversify their supply chains. Companies such as Huayou, Sinomine, Chengxin, and Yahua have been sending shipments from their Zimbabwe-based mines to lithium refineries in China, highlighting the growing importance of African countries as key players in the global lithium market.

Strategic Implications for Global Lithium Markets

Ganfeng’s investment in Mali and its expanding operations across Africa signal an ongoing shift in the global lithium mining landscape, with Chinese firms increasingly focusing on securing access to critical resources outside traditional markets like Australia and South America. As demand for lithium continues to surge, driven by the rapid growth of electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy storage solutions, these strategic moves will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the lithium supply chain.

Bald Hill Lithium Mine Restart Signals Stronger Spodumene Recovery

Bald Hill Lithium

Bald Hill lithium mine operations are restarting after Mineral Resources responded to a sustained recovery in lithium prices. The Western Australian mine had been on care and maintenance since November 2024.

Bald Hill lithium mine ramp-up will begin in late May, with crushing and mining operations scheduled to start in June. First spodumene concentrate production is expected in July.

Bald Hill lithium mine shipments are planned from the Port of Esperance in the third quarter of 2026. Full capacity is expected in the fourth quarter.

The restart shows that stronger spodumene prices are beginning to bring suspended Australian lithium capacity back into the market. It also confirms that producers are becoming more confident after the severe lithium downturn that forced project closures and delays.

Spodumene Prices Bring Idled Capacity Back

Bald Hill has production capacity of about 165,000 dry metric tonnes per year of 5.1% spodumene concentrate. On a normalized 6% spodumene concentrate basis, capacity is around 140,000 dmt/yr.

The restart is modest compared with Australia’s largest lithium operations, but it matters for market sentiment. Idled mines returning to production show that the price recovery is no longer only a paper-market signal.

Mineral Resources also operates the Wodgina and Marion lithium mines. The company has lifted production guidance for both assets for the fiscal year ending June 2026.

Wodgina guidance increased to 280,000 dmt of SC6, while Marion guidance rose to 220,000 dmt of SC6. Together with Bald Hill, these assets strengthen MinRes’ position as a major Australian spodumene producer.

The restart also adds more supply to the seaborne lithium concentrate market. That could help converters secure feedstock, but it also raises the risk that returning capacity eventually caps price upside if demand growth slows.

Posco Stake Reinforces Battery Supply Chain Link

South Korean steelmaker Posco acquired a 30% stake in MinRes in November 2025 for $765mn. That investment gives the restart a stronger downstream battery supply-chain connection.

Posco has been expanding across battery materials, and access to Australian spodumene can support long-term lithium chemical production. For MinRes, the relationship provides strategic capital and potential customer alignment.

Western Australia remains one of the world’s most important lithium supply regions. Its hard-rock mines feed converters in China, South Korea and other battery manufacturing hubs.

The Bald Hill restart therefore fits a wider supply-chain pattern. Lithium producers are trying to rebuild volumes as prices recover, while downstream players seek more secure feedstock before battery demand accelerates again.

The key question is whether the recovery remains strong enough to absorb returning supply. If prices hold, more idled lithium capacity could follow Bald Hill back into production.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Bald Hill’s restart shows that lithium’s recovery is becoming operational, not just financial. The market now needs to watch whether returning Australian supply supports battery security or creates the next round of oversupply pressure.

Sigma Lithium Ships 22,000t of Lithium Concentrate to Abu Dhabi’s IRH

Grota do Cirilo

Canadian miner Sigma Lithium has finalized a shipment of 22,000 tonnes (t) of lithium concentrate from its Grota do Cirilo project in Brazil to Abu Dhabi-based trading firm IRH. This shipment pushes the company’s third-quarter production above its 60,000t guidance, signaling robust operational performance.

Key Details

• Grota do Cirilo: Sigma Lithium’s flagship project in Brazil, capable of producing 270,000 t/yr of chemical-grade lithium concentrate, equivalent to 36,700 t/yr of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE).
• 13th Shipment: This deal marks Sigma’s 13th shipment since it began generating revenue in Q3 2022.

Recent Activity

On 30 September, Sigma also completed an export deal for an additional 9,000t, demonstrating consistent demand for its lithium concentrate.

Strategic Impact

Lithium, a critical mineral for electric vehicle (EV) batteries and renewable energy storage, continues to see rising global demand. Sigma Lithium’s ability to exceed production targets highlights its pivotal role in the lithium supply chain and positions it as a key player in supporting the global energy transition.

Sinomine Resource Slows Lithium Ore Production at Zimbabwe’s Bikita Mine Amid Price Fluctuations

Sinomine Resource

Sinomine Resource, China’s leading lithium mining company, has partially suspended production at its Bikita petalite ore mine in Zimbabwe. The decision reflects falling lithium prices, which have significantly reduced profitability at the 2 million-tonne-per-year petalite site, the company reported. Operations involving other materials at Bikita remain ongoing, with spodumene concentrate production meeting Sinomine’s lithium smelting needs.

Falling Lithium Prices Force Adjustments

Bikita, capable of processing 2 million tonnes each of spodumene and petalite ore since its November 2023 expansion, is fully owned by Sinomine Resource. The site holds resources equivalent to 1.1679 million tonnes of lithium oxide, translating to 2.88 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE). Earlier this year, Sinomine outlined plans to increase Bikita's output to full capacity, targeting 600,000 tonnes of lithium concentrate in 2024 — evenly split between spodumene and petalite.

The global lithium market has faced downward price pressures as new production capacity, especially in the battery-grade segment, has outpaced demand. Sinomine noted that Metalnomist-assessed prices for 6% lithium concentrate (spodumene) were recorded at $750-820 per tonne (cif China) as of October 8, reflecting an 86% drop from the beginning of 2023.

Despite the price slump, Sinomine remains committed to its strategic resource management at Bikita, having delivered an initial 10,000-tonne batch of lithium concentrate to its lithium salt production lines in China in September 2023. However, future expansion will be closely aligned with price stabilization in the global lithium market.

Finniss Lithium Operation Restart Signals Australian Spodumene Supply Return

Core Lithium

Finniss Lithium Operation is returning to production after Core Lithium restarted mining at the Grants open pit in Australia’s Northern Territory. The move marks the reopening of an asset that had been in care and maintenance since 2024 because of weak lithium prices.

Finniss Lithium Operation will process its first ore in the September quarter, with the first spodumene concentrate shipment expected in the December quarter. Additional shipments are planned for 2027.

Finniss Lithium Operation restart reflects the sharp recovery in spodumene prices after supply constraints emerged in late 2025. Core Lithium approved the restart in March as stronger pricing improved the economics of bringing idled capacity back online.

The Grants pit will provide access to around 800,000t of ore and deliver about 100,000t of spodumene concentrate on a 5% lithium oxide basis. Mining has started in line with Core Lithium’s final investment decision schedule and cost expectations.

Grants Pit Brings Near-Term Spodumene Back to Market

The Grants open pit gives Core Lithium a near-term route back into the seaborne spodumene market. First ore processing in the September quarter and first shipment in the December quarter create a clear restart timeline.

This matters because Australian lithium producers are beginning to respond to stronger market conditions. Several operations that were halted during the downturn are now restarting as prices recover.

Spodumene prices have rebounded sharply from the lows reached in December 2025. The recovery has made previously idled hard-rock assets more attractive, especially those with existing infrastructure and established development plans.

For buyers, the return of Finniss adds incremental Australian supply at a time when lithium converters are reassessing feedstock security. But the restart also adds new supply into a market still vulnerable to oversupply if too many projects return at once.

Core Lithium’s timing is therefore important. The company is moving before the next wave of supply fully arrives, but it must still prove stable mining, processing and shipment performance after a long shutdown.

BP33 Sets Up Longer-Term Finniss Expansion

Core Lithium is also advancing infrastructure work at the BP33 underground mine. The company awarded a A$274mn underground mining services contract to Develop Global for a three-to-five-year period.

BP33 is expected to be developed by mid-2027. It should help lift ore production at Finniss to 1.2mn t/yr by mid-2028.

Core Lithium’s final investment decision summary outlines a longer-term plan to produce spodumene concentrate over a 20-year mine life. Expected unit costs are around A$762/t, giving the operation leverage to higher spodumene pricing if execution stays on track.

The restart and BP33 development show how lithium producers are rebuilding confidence after the 2024-25 market downturn. The key difference now is that investors and customers will focus more closely on cost discipline, grade, logistics and customer commitments.

For the broader battery supply chain, Finniss adds another signal that Australian spodumene remains central to global lithium raw material supply. The market recovery is bringing supply back, but long-term balance will depend on whether battery demand can absorb returning and new production.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Core Lithium’s restart shows that the lithium cycle has turned enough to bring idled Australian mines back into action. The risk is that recovering prices invite too much supply too quickly, making cost discipline and offtake quality more important than restart headlines.

AMG Lithium First Quarter Results Reflect Weak Prices, But Strategic Progress Continues

AMG Lithium

Lithium Concentrate Sales Drop Amid Pricing Pressure

AMG Lithium's first quarter results revealed a 22% drop in lithium concentrate sales, driven by end-2024 shipments and production testing. The Brazilian spodumene operation sold 12,167t in Q1 2025, compared to higher volumes a year earlier. The lithium unit also faced falling market prices, pushing Q1 revenue down 23% to $32mn.

Battery-Grade Production Begins in Germany

Despite revenue pressure, AMG Lithium achieved its first battery-grade lithium hydroxide output in Bitterfeld, Germany. While the firm has not yet disclosed a firm commercialization date, it confirmed that the product will soon enter the market. Meanwhile, AMG announced that its Portugal project is expected to begin lithium concentrate production by H1 2027 — marking a significant expansion step.

Parent Company Shows Strong Overall Growth

AMG Critical Materials, the parent company, posted Q1 revenue of $388mn, up 8% year-over-year. Gross profit rose by 56% to $82.6mn, fueled by stronger performance in vanadium, tantalum, and ferroalloy segments. Despite the AMG Lithium first quarter results showing weakness, the group’s broader material portfolio provided a strong financial cushion.

The Metalnomist Commentary

AMG Lithium’s Q1 slump reflects broader volatility in global lithium markets. However, the company’s move into battery-grade hydroxide and its planned Portugal expansion demonstrate long-term strategic alignment with Europe’s energy transition goals.

Yahua Terminates Finniss Lithium Offtake Deal with Core Lithium Following Project Suspension

Yahua Lithium

Chinese lithium producer Yahua terminated its spodumene offtake agreement with Australia's Core Lithium for the suspended Finniss project operations. The Yahua Finniss lithium deal termination follows Core Lithium's decision to halt operations at the Australian project in July 2024. Core Lithium agreed to pay Yahua a $2 million settlement to resolve the contractual obligations under the original 2019 offtake agreement for the Yahua Finniss lithium supply arrangement.

Original Offtake Agreement Targeted 75,000 Tonnes Annual Spodumene Supply

The terminated offtake agreement required Yahua to purchase at least 75,000 metric tonnes per year of spodumene concentrate from Core Lithium's Finniss project. The parties signed this long-term supply contract in 2019 when lithium market fundamentals appeared more favorable for Australian project development. However, the Finniss project faced operational challenges and market headwinds that ultimately led to the suspension of mining activities.

Core Lithium's decision to halt operations reflects broader challenges facing Australian lithium projects amid volatile pricing and operational complexities. The $2 million settlement payment compensates Yahua for the terminated supply relationship while releasing both parties from future contractual obligations. Meanwhile, the Yahua Finniss lithium deal termination demonstrates the risks facing long-term offtake agreements when projects encounter operational difficulties.

Diversified Supply Strategy Shields Yahua from Feedstock Disruption

Yahua emphasized that the Finniss project termination will not affect its lithium feedstock supply security due to diversified sourcing strategies. The Chinese lithium producer owns the Kamativi lithium assets in Zimbabwe, providing direct control over spodumene production and processing operations. As a result, this backward integration strategy reduces Yahua's dependence on third-party Australian suppliers for critical lithium raw materials.

The company maintains additional supply agreements with established lithium miners including Australia's Pilbara Minerals and other global producers. These diversified supply relationships ensure consistent feedstock availability despite individual project disruptions or market volatility. Therefore, Yahua's multi-sourced approach provides operational flexibility and supply chain resilience across different geographic regions and mining operations.

Yahua's response to the Finniss project termination highlights the importance of supply diversification in the volatile lithium market. Chinese lithium processors increasingly pursue backward integration strategies and multiple supplier relationships to manage supply risks. Consequently, the Yahua Finniss lithium deal termination reinforces the strategic value of diversified sourcing approaches for lithium chemical producers.

The Metalnomist Commentary

The Yahua-Core Lithium offtake termination illustrates the fragility of long-term supply agreements in volatile commodity markets, particularly for emerging lithium projects facing operational and financial pressures. Yahua's emphasis on supply diversification through asset ownership and multiple supplier relationships reflects the evolving risk management strategies of Chinese lithium processors seeking to secure feedstock supplies amid market uncertainty and project development challenges.