Zangge Mamicuo lithium project secures mining licence in Tibet

Mamicuo Li

Zangge Mamicuo lithium project secured a mining licence in Tibet. The approval clears a path to salt-lake production. Zangge Mamicuo lithium project now targets a 50,000 t/yr first phase. Therefore, Zangge Mamicuo lithium project advances toward near-term construction.

Licence scope and resources

The licence covers 115.36km² and includes lithium, boron, and potassium. Proven resources total 2.1774mn t LCE. Zangge holds a 26.95% stake in the asset. The permit was issued on 15 July and runs to 30 April 2030.

Build plan, power needs, and portfolio moves

Zangge will start constructing a 50,000 t/yr lithium carbonate plant in Q3. Construction should take nine to twelve months. Phase two adds 50,000–80,000 t/yr after full ramp. However, power reliability will determine second-phase timing. Meanwhile, Zangge produces lithium carbonate at Qarhan, with 2024 output of 11,566t. The company plans stakes in Jiezechaka and Longmucuo projects. It will acquire 39% of Tibet Guoneng Mining for 4.68bn yuan. As a result, integrated assets could strengthen China’s battery materials supply.

The Metalnomist Commentary

This licence elevates Tibet’s role in China’s brine-based lithium strategy. Execution now hinges on power stability and brine processing performance. Watch phase-two timing, capex discipline, and offtake alignment with cathode makers.

Ultium LFP battery production in Tennessee to expand GM’s EV portfolio

Ultium Cells

Ultium LFP battery production in Tennessee will start by late 2027. GM and LG Energy Solution will convert lines at Spring Hill. Ultium LFP battery production in Tennessee will lower costs for mass-market EVs. The shift complements high-nickel and future lithium-manganese chemistries.

Capacity strategy and plant network

Ultium’s Ohio plant will keep making NCMA cells for long-range crossovers. GM and Samsung SDI are building a 36 GWh plant in Indiana. Mass production there targets 2027. Together, these sites diversify chemistries and sourcing. Ultium LFP battery production in Tennessee strengthens North American cell optionality.

Market outlook and supply chain integration

U.S. incentives favor localized cells and materials. GM sold 78,200 EVs in the first half. Its estimated EV share reached about 13 percent. GM sources lithium carbonate from Thacker Pass and CAM via POSCO Future M. Ultium LFP battery production in Tennessee will fit this integrated ecosystem. The Lansing stake sale to LGES sharpened capital focus.

The Metalnomist Commentary

GM is pragmatically adding lower-cost LFP alongside premium chemistries. Execution hinges on line conversion, yield ramp, and firm offtake. Watch IRA eligibility, precursor sourcing, and fleet demand into 2027.

Hunan lithium resource discovery lifts China’s LCE outlook

Hunan lithium

Revised deposit metrics and strategic context

The Hunan lithium resource discovery adds a 49mn-tonne lepidolite deposit in Linwu. Authorities estimate 1.31mn t lithium oxide, or 3.24mn t LCE. The ore also contains rubidium, tungsten, and tin. Therefore, the Hunan lithium resource discovery broadens China’s battery raw material base.

Revised national resources and project pipeline

China’s lithium resource estimate now stands at 16.5% of global resources. Revisions reflect new finds in Sichuan, Xinjiang, Qinghai, Jiangxi, Inner Mongolia, and Hunan. Meanwhile, officials still rank China second globally, behind Bolivia. As a result, the Hunan lithium resource discovery strengthens supply diversification across provinces.

Dazhong Mining investments and timeline

Inner Mongolia Dazhong Mining is building integrated mining and processing in Hunan. The 16bn-yuan plan includes ore, lithium carbonate, CAM, and battery plants. Phase one targets 10mn t per year ore and 20,000 t per year lithium carbonate in 2026. Additionally, Dazhong owns the Jiada spodumene asset in Sichuan with 1.48mn t LCE.

This discovery could influence lepidolite processing economics and domestic supply security. Granite-type lepidolite requires energy, reagents, and recovery optimization. However, co-products may offset costs and improve project viability. Therefore, downstream cathode producers could hedge against imported feedstock volatility.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Large lepidolite resources can reshape China’s midstream flexibility if recoveries scale competitively. Execution will hinge on beneficiation yields, reagent costs, and ESG standards. Watch Dazhong’s commissioning cadence and LCE conversion routes through 2026.

Ronbay sodium-ion battery cathode project breaks ground in Hubei

Ronbay

Ronbay sodium-ion battery cathode project construction has started in Hubei today. The 6,000 t per year line represents a 1.2bn yuan investment. However, the company has not disclosed a commissioning date.

Ronbay sodium-ion battery cathode project expands a diversified CAM portfolio. The firm already produces NCM, LMFP, and sodium-ion CAM. Meanwhile, high-nickel NCM remains the company’s core product.

Capacity roadmap and demand outlook

Output reached 137,351 t in 2024, up 34% year on year. Ronbay plans 130,000–150,000 t of CAM in 2025. In 2023, it committed 3bn yuan for 50,000 t per year by 2026.

The company booked a 3,000 t sodium-ion cathode order this year. Global sodium-ion demand may reach 23 GWh in 2025. As a result, two- and three-wheelers and storage will drive early volumes.

Commercial implications for sodium-ion batteries

Sodium-ion batteries promise cost and safety advantages versus LMFP. Resource abundance lowers raw-material risk and improves scalability. Therefore, the Ronbay sodium-ion battery cathode project targets mass-market applications.

Hubei offers logistics access and supplier depth for scale-up. However, customer qualification and procurement cycles may slow adoption. Consequently, initial shipments should concentrate on mobility and stationary storage.

The Metalnomist Commentary

The Ronbay sodium-ion battery cathode project signals prudent hedging beyond lithium-based chemistries. Execution will hinge on qualification wins, cost curves, and timely ramp at both 6,000 t and 50,000 t assets.

Lyten acquires Northvolt BESS assets to expand European capacity

Lyten

Lyten acquires Northvolt BESS assets to control Europe’s largest BESS manufacturing hub. The 25,000m² Gdansk site includes R&D and modern assembly lines. Installed equipment supports 6GWh annually, with expansion potential above 10GWh.

The deal is expected to close in the third quarter. Financial terms were not disclosed by the parties. Lyten plans to restart production immediately and resume commercial sales.

Immediate restart and lithium-sulfur expansion

Lyten will broaden the product line to include lithium-sulfur batteries. These lithium-sulfur batteries now ship for drones and space missions. They are launching to the International Space Station under commercial programs. Chrysler selected the chemistry for its Halcyon Concept electric vehicle. Therefore, Lyten acquires Northvolt BESS assets to accelerate commercialization.

Financing, footprint, and Northvolt’s portfolio reshaping

In December 2025, Lyten received up to $650 million from the Export-Import Bank. The company also acquired Northvolt’s San Leandro battery plant to scale US output. Meanwhile, Northvolt sold business segments during its restructuring process. Scania acquired the Industrial segment in April 2025.

As a result, this acquisition gives Lyten a transatlantic manufacturing footprint. The Gdansk plant offers scale for utility storage and grid services. Therefore, European customers gain a new BESS source outside China.

The Metalnomist Commentary

This move rapidly converts idle capacity into strategic supply for Europe’s grid storage build-out. Execution on lithium-sulfur at scale remains the key technical and commercial swing factor.

Indonesia-China EV battery joint venture to start output by 2026

PT AnekaTambang

Indonesia-China EV battery joint venture is set to start operations in 2026, marking a milestone in Southeast Asia’s battery industry. PT Aneka Tambang (Antam) and CATL are leading the $5.9bn project, which will significantly expand Indonesia’s role in global EV supply chains. The Indonesia-China EV battery joint venture aims for 15GWh capacity by 2028, supporting up to 300,000 EVs annually.

A $5.9bn integrated ecosystem for battery materials

The joint venture begins with a 6.9GWh capacity, expanding to 15GWh by 2028. Additionally, officials highlighted potential integration with solar panel battery storage, raising capacity to 40GWh. Most of the investment—around $4.7bn—will fund nickel smelters, mining, and precursor plants in North Maluku. Meanwhile, the battery cell project in West Java accounts for $1.2bn of the total budget.

Indonesia’s mineral advantage meets China’s battery expertise

Indonesia holds abundant nickel, cobalt, and manganese, essential for EV batteries, but lacks lithium and advanced technology. Therefore, Antam partnered with CATL to secure the expertise and technology required. By 2026, smelting and hydrometallurgy plants, alongside a nickel-cobalt-manganese precursor facility, are expected to strengthen Indonesia’s midstream value chain. This partnership underscores a growing alignment between Indonesia’s resource base and China’s global battery leadership.

Energy independence and EV market expansion

The Indonesia-China EV battery joint venture could supply batteries for 300,000 EVs annually, potentially reducing fuel imports by 300,000 kilolitres per year. President Prabowo stated that Indonesia could reach full energy self-sufficiency within five to seven years, provided battery production grows to 100GWh annually. As a result, Indonesia is positioning itself not just as a raw material supplier but as an integrated EV hub.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Indonesia’s partnership with CATL cements its role in the global EV battery supply chain. However, success depends on infrastructure, environmental safeguards, and balancing resource nationalism with foreign investment. If executed effectively, Indonesia could become a strategic alternative to China-dominated supply routes.

Patriot Battery Metals tantalum strategy advances in Quebec

Patriot Battery Metals

By-product pathway could unlock value

Patriot Battery Metals tantalum evaluation advances at Quebec’s Shaakichiuwaanaan project. The explorer will assess economic feasibility as a by-product. It could also recover gallium and cesium. The move complements its lithium pegmatite focus in James Bay. Patriot Battery Metals tantalum plan targets diversified revenues.

Resource scale underpins optionality

Tantalum supports capacitors, resistors, and superalloys. Demand stems from electronics and high-temperature applications. By-product streams can lower unit costs. However, clean separation and bankable offtakes remain essential. Stable pricing and ESG traceability will also matter.

Scale gives optionality for recovery circuits. The indicated resource totals 108mn t at 1.4pc lithium oxide. Grades include 166ppm tantalum pentoxide and 66ppm gallium. As a result, future flowsheets may integrate tantalum capture. Meanwhile, James Bay infrastructure supports development timelines.

A Canadian source would aid resilient supply chains. It could reduce reliance on conflicted tantalum imports. Therefore, Patriot Battery Metals tantalum opportunity aligns with critical minerals policy. Investors will watch metallurgy, capex, and offtake progress.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Patriot’s by-product strategy is a prudent hedge against lithium price volatility. If metallurgy proves robust, tantalum could enhance project economics and attract strategic partners.

California Lithium Project Gains Expedited Permitting Under FAST-41

California Lithium Project

The California lithium project at Hell’s Kitchen has been selected for expedited federal permitting, marking a major step in strengthening the US domestic critical minerals supply chain. The Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council announced the project’s inclusion under the FAST-41 program, designed to streamline approvals for large-scale infrastructure projects critical to national security.

Federal Backing for US Lithium Production

The Hell’s Kitchen Critical Minerals and Power Project near the Salton Sea will become the first US facility to extract and process lithium using geothermal brine. The project aims to produce lithium hydroxide and lithium carbonate, both vital for the fast-growing US battery industry. By using geothermal steam and electricity, the plant will generate its own renewable power, reinforcing its role as a model for sustainable mineral extraction.

Reducing US Reliance on Foreign Minerals

The project’s selection reflects a broader federal push to reduce dependence on foreign critical minerals, particularly as global supply risks intensify. China currently dominates the lithium refining sector, but the US government is seeking to diversify supply. Hell’s Kitchen joins several other initiatives on the Federal Permitting Dashboard, a public tool tracking the review process for projects critical to national and economic security.

The Metalnomist Commentary

The inclusion of Hell’s Kitchen under FAST-41 signals strong federal intent to accelerate domestic lithium production. By combining renewable energy with mineral extraction, the project sets a precedent for low-carbon critical minerals production in the US. Its success could help reshape global supply chains while strengthening national energy security.

Dazhong Mining Expands Lithium Resources at Jiada Mine

Dazhong Mining

Lithium Resources at Jiada Mine Increase Significantly

Inner Mongolia Dazhong Mining has revised higher its lithium resource estimates at the Jiada spodumene mine in Sichuan. The mine’s reserves now total 1.4842mn t of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) with an average grade of 1.38pc lithium oxide. This upgrade raises Dazhong’s total lithium resources across its assets to 4.72mn t LCE. The company also operates the Jijiaoshan lithium mine in Hunan province, strengthening its domestic lithium footprint.

Dazhong’s Investment in Lithium Supply Chain Expansion

Dazhong is actively expanding into downstream lithium processing and battery production. The firm is building lithium carbonate and cathode active material production lines, alongside lithium-ion battery plants in Hunan, with an investment of 16bn yuan ($2.2bn). It also plans to develop a large-scale complex in Inner Mongolia with 40,000 t/yr lithium carbonate, 40,000 t/yr lithium salts, 250,000 t/yr lithium iron phosphate, 100,000 t/yr artificial graphite anode material, and 10 GWh/yr lithium-ion batteries. These projects highlight China’s ambition to dominate the entire lithium value chain.

Lithium Market Pressures Despite Long-Term Demand

The lithium market remains oversupplied, pushing prices to multi-year lows despite robust long-term demand forecasts. Chinese lithium carbonate prices are currently at Yn59,800-61,000/t ex-works, down 89pc from the November 2022 peak of Yn561,000-576,000/t. Rising supply from Chinese producers, including new capacity expansions like Dazhong’s, has weighed on spot prices. However, strong demand from electric vehicles, energy storage systems, and emerging battery technologies is expected to support recovery in the medium term.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Dazhong Mining’s resource upgrade and heavy downstream investments underline China’s strategy to secure leadership across the lithium supply chain. While today’s oversupply keeps prices depressed, structural demand from EVs and storage solutions suggests that projects like Jiada will be vital in balancing the global market in the next decade.

Chevron Joins the US Lithium Hunt

Chevron US lithium

Oil Majors Target Lithium in Smackover Formation

Chevron has officially entered the US lithium sector, joining ExxonMobil and Equinor in exploring lithium-rich brines in the Smackover formation. The oil giant acquired about 125,000 net acres in northeast Texas and southwest Arkansas, where high lithium content in briny groundwater has already attracted major interest.

The company plans to leverage its subsurface expertise to extract lithium from brine, aiming for lower costs and reduced environmental impact compared with hard rock mining or evaporation ponds. Chevron says this effort aligns with its broader strategy to support US energy leadership and build resilient domestic lithium supply chains.

Expanding Lithium Supply Amid Energy Transition

Chevron’s move mirrors a growing trend of oil companies pivoting toward critical minerals to secure positions in the energy transition. Smackover Lithium, a joint venture between Standard Lithium and Equinor, has already announced plans to produce 22,500 t/yr of lithium carbonate by 2028. Meanwhile, ExxonMobil signed a deal in November 2024 to supply up to 100,000 t of lithium carbonate to South Korea’s LG Chem, also sourced from the Smackover formation.

As demand for EV batteries accelerates, the region could become a cornerstone of the US lithium industry. Chevron’s participation underscores the convergence of oil and mining sectors, with traditional hydrocarbon firms now competing in battery materials.

Strategic Implications for US Lithium Supply

Chevron’s lithium strategy emphasizes domestic production to reduce reliance on imports and strengthen critical mineral supply chains. By applying oilfield brine extraction techniques, the company hopes to commercialize lithium with fewer environmental trade-offs.

Industry analysts believe oil companies could soon rival established lithium producers. As independent analyst Joe Lowry noted, “By early next decade, big oil and big mining will replace the likes of Albemarle at the top of the lithium world.”

The Metalnomist Commentary

Chevron’s entry into the lithium market highlights a strategic realignment of oil majors toward critical minerals. The Smackover formation is fast becoming a global lithium hotspot, and Chevron’s move strengthens US ambitions for secure, domestic supply. If successful, this strategy could reshape the balance of power in the lithium industry, positioning oil giants as major players in the battery supply chain.

China’s Guizhou Kaijin Expands Battery Anode Capacity

Kaijin battery

Expansion Strengthens Position in Lithium-Ion Battery Market

China’s Guizhou Kaijin has expanded its lithium-ion battery anode production capacity to 120,000 tonnes per year. The facility in Tongren city, Guizhou province, began operations in May 2022 with six lines producing 100,000 t/yr. Following upgrades and the installation of two additional lines, trial production for the seventh and eighth lines is set to begin by the end of July.

Kaijin’s sales performance reflects this rapid expansion. Between January and April 2025, the company sold 50,000 tonnes of anode materials, compared with just 10,000 tonnes during the same period in 2023. As a subsidiary of Guangdong Kaijin, one of China’s top five anode producers, the company strengthens its foothold in the global battery supply chain.

NEV Boom Drives Rising Demand for Anode Materials

China’s fast-growing new energy vehicle (NEV) industry is fueling strong demand for lithium-ion battery anode materials. National shipments of anode materials reached 2.12mn tonnes in 2024, up 24% from 2023. This growth aligns with rising NEV production and sales, supported by robust consumer demand and government incentives.

China produced 5.7mn NEVs from January to May 2025, a 45% increase compared with the same period in 2024. Sales also grew by 44% to 5.61mn units. As a result, overall production of power and energy storage batteries rose by 63% year-on-year to 568.1GWh during January-May, according to the China Automotive Battery Innovation Alliance (Cabir).

The Metalnomist Commentary

Guizhou Kaijin’s expansion demonstrates the strategic scaling of China’s battery materials industry in response to surging NEV demand. As global automakers diversify supply chains, Kaijin’s growth reinforces China’s dominance in anode materials. However, international competition and technology shifts, such as LFP adoption, will challenge long-term market positioning.

LG Energy Solution Signs Six-Year Battery Supply Deal with Chery

China Chery

LGES to Deliver 8GWh of Cylindrical Batteries

LG Energy Solution (LGES) has signed a six-year deal with China’s Chery Automobile to supply 8GWh of batteries. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in early 2026, powering around 120,000 electric vehicles. The agreement focuses on LGES’ 46-series nickel-cobalt-manganese cylindrical batteries, which will be installed in Chery’s flagship EV models.

The partnership also leaves room for expansion. LGES indicated that further projects could extend to additional Chery models, reinforcing the growing collaboration between one of South Korea’s top battery producers and China’s state-owned automaker.

Strategic Partnerships in a Competitive Battery Market

The LGES-Chery deal highlights the company’s efforts to secure long-term partnerships amid shifting battery demand. In November 2024, LGES struck a five-year, 67GWh agreement with US EV start-up Rivian, with production centered in Arizona. These contracts demonstrate LGES’ dual strategy of supporting premium EV manufacturers while also pursuing cost-competitive alternatives.

However, the rise of lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries has reshaped the competitive landscape. LGES announced it will start mass production of LFP batteries for EVs in the second half of 2025. In parallel, it began mass-producing LFP batteries for energy storage systems (ESS) in the US this June, while partially converting its Wroclaw plant in Europe for ESS applications.

The Metalnomist Commentary

LGES’ deal with Chery underscores the importance of strategic alliances in an increasingly competitive EV battery market. By balancing high-performance nickel-based batteries with cost-efficient LFP solutions, LGES is positioning itself to meet diverse global demand. The company’s ability to maintain utilization rates will hinge on how effectively it scales production and navigates price pressures.

TotalEnergies to Supply 1GWh of BESS to Japan

Gurin Energy

Saft to Power Fukushima’s Energy Transition

TotalEnergies subsidiary Saft will supply over 1GWh of battery energy storage systems (BESS) for Gurin Energy’s renewable project in Japan. The system will include integrated lithium-ion batteries, power conversion units, and energy management platforms. Saft will also oversee installation, commissioning, and servicing, ensuring long-term operational reliability.

The BESS will be deployed in Fukushima Prefecture, delivering 240MW of power in four-hour cycles. Construction is expected to begin in 2026, marking one of Japan’s largest single-site BESS installations. This development highlights Japan’s efforts to stabilize its renewable power grid and enhance supply reliability.

Supporting Japan’s Renewable and Carbon Goals

Japan is targeting 40–50pc renewables in its power generation mix by 2040, up from 27pc today. The country also aims to achieve full carbon neutrality by 2050. Advanced storage solutions like Saft’s BESS are critical to balancing intermittent wind and solar generation.

Meanwhile, large-scale deployments like this project show how international partnerships can accelerate Japan’s clean energy transition. By supporting flexible storage capacity, TotalEnergies and Gurin Energy contribute to reducing reliance on fossil fuels while strengthening grid resilience.

The Metalnomist Commentary

TotalEnergies’ 1GWh BESS project in Fukushima illustrates the growing convergence of global energy players and local renewable developers. Japan’s aggressive carbon neutrality roadmap depends on scalable storage solutions, and this deal positions Saft as a key technology supplier. Investors should watch for how such projects influence Asia’s broader grid modernization strategies.

Ford Starts Battery Pack Assembly in Germany

Ford Battery Pack

Ford Expands EV Production with Cologne Battery Facility

Ford has begun mass assembly of electric vehicle battery packs at its Cologne, Germany plant, marking a major step in the automaker’s $2bn European electrification strategy. The facility will directly align with Ford’s nearby Cologne Electric Vehicle Center, enabling integrated production of the Capri and Explorer EV models, which will deliver ranges of up to 627km and 602km.

The highly automated production line, spanning 2km, uses 180 robots to weld, glue, and assemble the battery housing. Each battery pack consists of 2,775 individual parts and up to 12 modules, underscoring Ford’s commitment to advanced manufacturing efficiency and scale.

Strategic Supply Agreements for EV Battery Materials

Ford has also secured long-term supply deals to ensure stable access to critical materials. In October 2024, LG Energy Solution signed a contract to deliver 109 GWh of batteries from 2026, with terms extending up to six years. Meanwhile, US specialty chemicals firm Albemarle agreed to supply over 100,000 tonnes of lithium hydroxide between 2026 and 2030.

These partnerships highlight Ford’s focus on securing raw materials essential for its EV expansion. The agreements align with global trends of automakers locking in lithium and battery supply to mitigate price volatility and ensure future production capacity.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Ford’s Cologne investment reflects the growing importance of localized EV battery production in Europe. By integrating supply agreements with global partners, Ford strengthens its resilience against supply chain disruptions. This strategy not only supports its electrification roadmap but also places it in direct competition with European and Asian automakers accelerating EV deployment.

Surge Battery Metals Targets 86,000 t/yr LCE from Nevada Lithium Project

Surge Battery Metals

Nevada North Lithium Project’s Scale and Cost Outlook

Surge Battery Metals announced that its planned Nevada North Lithium Project (NNLP) could produce 86,000 tonnes per year of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE). The integrated operation will combine mining and processing at a site northeast of Wells, Nevada. The study, released on 9 June, projects a 42-year mine life and an operating cost of $5,097 per tonne, placing it among the relatively low-cost lithium projects.

The company intends to establish an on-site processing facility that will use sulfuric acid leaching to produce high-purity lithium carbonate. This output will be further refined into battery-grade LCE, enhancing its appeal for electric vehicle and energy storage applications.

Market Assumptions and Development Timeline

Surge’s project economics are based on an assumed LCE selling price of $24,000 per tonne. The study outlines a 6.5-year development period from early works to full commissioning, structured into two phases. While the company has not disclosed a firm start date for operations, the long mine life and integrated design highlight its potential role in the U.S. lithium supply chain.

The Nevada project comes at a time when North America is prioritizing domestic lithium production to reduce reliance on imports and support clean energy policies. With its projected scale, NNLP could contribute significantly to meeting future EV battery demand.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Surge Battery Metals’ Nevada project underscores the growing race to secure low-cost lithium production in North America. While timelines remain uncertain, the projected scale and economics suggest strong potential. Success will depend on financing, permitting, and the stability of long-term lithium pricing.

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.

PLS Boosts Pilgangoora Lithium Resources by 23% Amid Expansion Plans

Australia’s PLS

Higher Grade and Tonnage Strengthen Global Position

Pilbara Minerals (PLS) has expanded the Pilgangoora lithium resources by 23%, driven by a 10% rise in tonnage and a 12% improvement in grade. This boost elevates Pilgangoora’s standing to match the resource scale of Australia’s Greenbushes, the world’s largest hard-rock lithium mine.

Exploration since September 2023 added 39mn tonnes to measured, indicated, and inferred resources at the Western Australia site. As of 2025, Pilgangoora’s total mineral resource now stands at 446mn tonnes grading 1.28% Li₂O and 122ppm Ta₂O₅. Despite pausing exploration in March 2025 due to cost-cutting, PLS has identified a target of 76–102mn tonnes, indicating further growth potential.

Expanding Spodumene Production Capacity

Pilgangoora’s current nameplate capacity is 680,000 t/yr of spodumene, with Q1 2025 production at 125,000 tonnes—down from 188,200 tonnes in Q4 2024. The P1000 project is set to lift capacity to 1mn t/yr by Q3 2025, while the proposed P2000 project could double output to over 2mn t/yr within six years.

However, weaker market conditions may pressure higher-cost Australian spodumene producers to cut output. PLS’s large-scale, higher-grade reserves could provide a competitive advantage in maintaining production and market share during challenging pricing cycles.

The Metalnomist Commentary

PLS’s expansion at Pilgangoora reinforces Australia’s role as a dominant supplier of hard-rock lithium to global EV and battery markets. With both grade and tonnage growth, PLS is positioned to weather market volatility better than many peers. Long-term, the success of the P2000 project could transform Pilgangoora into one of the largest spodumene producers worldwide.

Yuneng to Expand LFP and LMFP Cathode Capacity to Meet Battery Market Growth

Yuneng

$899 Million Investment Targets Higher Energy Density Materials

Hunan Yuneng, China’s largest lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathode active material producer, will significantly expand production capacity to serve surging demand in the lithium-ion battery sector. The company plans to raise 4.8bn yuan ($899mn) for a new project producing 320,000 t/yr of lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP), 75,000 t/yr of ultra-long cycle LFP, and 100,000 t/yr of iron phosphate feedstock.

The LMFP line, located in Anning, Yunnan province, will also be able to produce LFP. Yuneng expects construction to finish within four years. Meanwhile, the ultra-long cycle LFP and iron phosphate plants in Fuquan, Guizhou province, will be built within 12 months, strengthening the company’s diversified product portfolio.

Performance Advantages and Market Competition

LMFP cathodes provide higher energy density, longer driving ranges for EVs, better winter performance, and lower manufacturing costs than standard LFP. However, they have shorter life cycles and weaker charge-discharge capacity. Major players such as CATL, BYD, and Eve Energy are also investing in LMFP technology, intensifying competition in the high-performance cathode market.

Yuneng achieved 101% LFP capacity utilization in 2024, producing 735,462t—up 46% from 2023. Sales reached 710,565t, with 41% directed to the energy storage sector. LFP batteries continue to dominate China’s lithium-ion battery market, holding an 80% production share from January to April 2024, far exceeding the share of ternary chemistries such as NCA/NCM.

Strategic Outlook for Cathode Materials Expansion

By expanding LFP and LMFP output, Yuneng positions itself to capture additional market share as both EV adoption and energy storage demand accelerate. The cost advantage of LFP remains a key factor in China’s battery market dominance, while LMFP technology offers potential for premium applications once lifecycle limitations are addressed.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Yuneng’s investment demonstrates how Chinese cathode producers are racing to scale capacity in response to both domestic and global demand. While LFP will remain the dominant chemistry in China’s battery market, LMFP could emerge as a niche solution for applications requiring higher energy density—if manufacturers can resolve its durability challenges.

Envision AESC Launches Battery Plant in France to Boost Global EV Supply

Envision AESC

Strategic Expansion into Europe

Chinese battery manufacturer Envision AESC has inaugurated a 10GWh per year battery plant in Douai, northern France. The facility’s initial phase will produce enough cells to power 200,000 electric vehicles annually, supporting Europe’s growing demand for clean transportation. While the company has not disclosed timelines for subsequent phases, the project represents a significant step in its global manufacturing strategy.

Envision AESC’s goal is to achieve a total global battery capacity of 400GWh per year by 2026, with operations spanning 13 battery manufacturing bases across China, Japan, the US, the UK, France, and Spain. This broad geographic footprint is designed to meet the surging needs of the rapidly developing EV sector and strengthen resilience against supply disruptions.

Scaling Capacity Amid Geopolitical Shifts

The company is simultaneously doubling its production in Cangzhou, China, to 20GWh per year by 2026 and constructing a gigafactory for lithium iron phosphate batteries in Navalmoral de la Mata, Spain, scheduled to start output in 2026. These moves align with a wider trend among Chinese battery firms expanding overseas in response to geopolitical pressures, including higher US import tariffs and the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act.

Envision AESC is a joint venture between Chinese-owned Envision and Japanese-owned AESC, itself a collaboration between automaker Nissan and component maker Tokin. By strategically positioning manufacturing assets within key markets, the company aims to enhance customer proximity, reduce logistics risks, and align with local regulatory requirements.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Envision AESC’s French facility marks another decisive step in the localization of battery supply for Europe’s EV market. By combining European production with a global expansion strategy, the company is hedging against trade tensions while capturing market share in high-growth regions. The challenge ahead will be scaling production efficiently while adapting to evolving environmental and trade policies in multiple jurisdictions.

ReElement Technologies Eyes $150mn Boost for US Rare Earth Refinery

ReElement Technologies

Expanding US Rare Earth Refining Capacity

ReElement Technologies has secured a letter of interest from the US Export-Import Bank for up to $150mn in funding to expand its rare earth element (REE) and critical mineral refinery in Indiana. The investment would support the Marion Advanced Technology Center, enhancing its ability to produce 99.5% purity rare earth oxides and compounds, including neodymium, dysprosium, terbium, samarium, yttrium, and gadolinium. This expansion aims to strengthen the United States’ domestic capacity to refine critical materials essential for clean energy, defense, and advanced manufacturing sectors.

The Marion facility, acquired in 2023, spans 50,000m² and is being transformed into a commercial-scale refining hub capable of producing not only rare earth oxides but also lithium carbonate, lithium hydroxide, and transition metals. This scale positions ReElement as a potential leader in US-based REE processing.

Competing with Chinese Production Costs

ReElement also operates a 700m² Commercial Validation Facility in Noblesville, Indiana, which produces REEs and battery-critical elements. The company claims to be one of the few — possibly the only — US commercial entity capable of producing these high-purity materials at costs competitive with, or lower than, Chinese production. This capability could significantly reduce the nation’s dependency on Chinese supply chains, a key strategic priority amid rising geopolitical tensions and growing demand for REEs in electric vehicles, wind turbines, and military technologies.

Industry analysts note that achieving cost parity with Chinese producers has historically been a major barrier for US refiners. If ReElement can scale production while maintaining cost efficiency, it could reshape the competitive landscape in the global REE market.

Strategic Implications for US Supply Chain Security

The potential $150mn financing aligns with Washington’s push to localize critical mineral supply chains. Rare earth elements are essential for energy transition technologies and high-performance defense systems, yet the US currently relies heavily on imports for refined materials. By expanding domestic refining capacity, ReElement could play a pivotal role in mitigating supply risks, fostering industrial resilience, and supporting US manufacturing competitiveness.

Furthermore, the partnership with the US Export-Import Bank underscores growing federal willingness to financially back strategic resource projects. This model of public-private collaboration may serve as a blueprint for accelerating critical mineral infrastructure nationwide.

The Metalnomist Commentary

ReElement’s potential funding deal is a milestone in US rare earth refining ambitions. By scaling production to commercial levels while competing with China on cost, the company could become a cornerstone of America’s critical mineral strategy. The challenge will be ensuring that operational efficiency and market demand grow in lockstep with expanded capacity.