Pure Lithium Secures $300mn EXIM Support for US-Based Lithium Metal Battery Facility

Pure Lithium Corporation

Pure Lithium has received a $300 million Letter of Interest (LOI) from the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) to support its planned industrial-scale lithium metal battery plant. If approved, the Pure Lithium EXIM loan would fall under EXIM’s “Make More in America” initiative aimed at rebuilding domestic manufacturing capacity and securing supply chains in strategic sectors like energy storage.

The proposed facility will use Pure Lithium’s proprietary “Brine to Battery” process, which directly converts brine into lithium metal anodes—eliminating graphite, cobalt, nickel, and manganese. This vertically integrated method enables a fully US-based battery supply chain, from raw material extraction to cell production. CEO Emilie Bodoin emphasized the project's potential to reshape global lithium battery sourcing models.

Disruptive Battery Chemistry Supports Strategic US Objectives

The Pure Lithium EXIM loan could accelerate commercialization of lithium metal vanadium oxide batteries, which offer higher energy density without relying on traditional cathode materials. This technology positions Pure Lithium at the forefront of post-Li-ion battery innovation, directly supporting the U.S. push for clean tech self-reliance.

Pure Lithium’s partnerships reinforce its vertically integrated vision. It sources lithium concentrate from E3 Lithium in Alberta, Canada, and collaborates with Saint-Gobain Ceramics to engineer water-blocking lithium-selective membranes—a key component in its novel extraction process.

EXIM Financing to Boost US Battery Supply Chain Resilience

EXIM’s Make More in America strategy supports projects that improve domestic industrial competitiveness in sectors facing global strategic risk. The Pure Lithium EXIM loan would directly address U.S. concerns over dependence on foreign-dominated battery material supply chains, especially China.

If finalized, the funding will catalyze Pure Lithium’s ability to scale manufacturing within U.S. borders while lowering barriers for next-generation battery adoption. This aligns with U.S. energy security goals and rising demand for alternative battery chemistries in defense, mobility, and grid storage sectors.

The Metalnomist Commentary

The Pure Lithium EXIM loan represents a critical step in reshoring advanced battery manufacturing. As supply chain risks intensify and lithium metal demand grows, projects that fuse innovation with domestic sourcing will shape the next era of U.S. battery independence.

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.

Pure Lithium Partners with Saint-Gobain to Accelerate Lithium-Metal Battery Membranes

Saint-Gobain

Strategic Collaboration Aims to Advance Next-Generation Battery Technology

US-based battery innovator Pure Lithium has partnered with Saint-Gobain Ceramics to accelerate the production of lithium-metal battery membranes. This collaboration leverages Saint-Gobain’s advanced manufacturing capabilities to commercialize cutting-edge battery separator membranes, a crucial component in next-generation lithium-metal batteries.

Boosting Lithium-Metal Anode Development

Pure Lithium will use Saint-Gobain’s production capacity and R&D expertise to scale up its membrane technology. These membranes enable the electrodeposition of lithium onto substrates to form high-performance lithium-metal anodes or function as separators within battery cells. This advancement aims to enhance energy density and battery efficiency, meeting the increasing demand for high-performance energy storage solutions.

Collaboration with E3 Lithium on Lithium-Vanadium Batteries

As part of its expansion strategy, Pure Lithium is developing a lithium-metal anode in partnership with Canadian lithium developer E3 Lithium. This initiative aligns with the company’s vision to introduce lithium metal-vanadium batteries, incorporating vanadium-based cathode materials to improve battery longevity and stability.

Paving the Way for Next-Generation Energy Storage

The partnership with Saint-Gobain Ceramics and collaboration with E3 Lithium position Pure Lithium as a key player in the future of lithium-metal battery technology. These efforts support the transition towards higher-performance energy storage for EVs, grid storage, and portable electronics.

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.

Pure Lithium’s Acquisition Advances LVO Battery Technology

Pure Lithium

Pure Lithium, a Massachusetts-based battery manufacturer, has acquired the assets of New York-based vanadium cathode producer Dimien. This acquisition is a strategic move to further commercialize Pure Lithium's lithium metal-vanadium oxide (LVO) battery, which the company claims is safer, more cost-effective, and more efficient than traditional electric vehicle (EV) batteries.

A Safer, More Efficient Battery Technology

As part of the deal, Pure Lithium will gain access to Dimien's intellectual property, manufacturing equipment, and some personnel. Dimien is known for its zeta vanadium oxide (ZVO) cathode material, which Pure Lithium plans to pair with the lithium metal anode it is developing in collaboration with Canada-based E3 Lithium. This combination promises higher energy density and reduced fire risks compared to conventional nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) and nickel-manganese-aluminum (NMA) batteries.

Pure Lithium aims to streamline its production process, producing lithium metal-vanadium batteries in just 48 hours. The company is also exploring the possibility of constructing a commercial battery facility in Alberta, Canada, near E3 Lithium’s brine deposits. Financial terms and the acquisition's closing date were not disclosed.

E3 Lithium battery grade lithium carbonate milestone in Alberta brines

E3 Lithium

E3 Lithium battery grade lithium carbonate production marks a key milestone for Alberta’s emerging lithium industry. The company has produced 99.7pc purity carbonate at its Clearwater Project demonstration facility near Bashaw, confirming its direct lithium extraction (DLE) flowsheet. This first output signals that E3 can convert lithium chloride from the Leduc Reservoir into commercial-grade battery chemicals.

E3’s Phase 1 design targets 12,000 t/yr of lithium carbonate equivalent, with phased expansion to 36,000 t/yr. Meanwhile, measured and indicated LCE resources at Bashaw total 16.2mn t, giving the project multi-decade scale. The early demonstration work therefore de-risks both chemistry and process integration ahead of full financing.

Cost structure positions E3 in the mid-cost global curve

The Clearwater Project carries an initial operating cost estimate of $6,200/t LCE, with capex of $2.5bn. That places E3 Lithium battery grade lithium carbonate in the mid-range of the global cost curve, but with meaningful upside if technology and power costs improve. As a result, investors will focus on power pricing, brine chemistry stability and long-term offtake terms.

Production is scheduled to begin in 2028 or 2029, aligning with the next wave of North American cathode and cell capacity. Therefore the timing could help secure premium contracts from OEMs seeking non-brine imports. The project’s large resource base also supports future debottlenecking beyond the initial 36,000 t/yr.

From brine to battery with strategic partnerships

E3 has already secured $41.9mn in government grants, leaving $25.4mn available, which signals strong policy backing. At the same time, its joint development agreement with Pure Lithium aims to link extraction directly with anode production. That “Brine to Battery” approach could shorten supply chains and reduce conversion losses.

For automakers and cathode producers, E3 Lithium battery grade lithium carbonate offers a new North American brine source. However, commercial success will depend on scale-up risk, impurity control and DLE reliability over years, not months. If E3 executes, Clearwater could become a template for other Western brine projects.

The Metalnomist Commentary

E3 Lithium’s progress moves Canadian brine projects from slides to steel, at a time when IRA-driven demand is still ramping. The combination of DLE, large resources and integrated anode concepts is strategically significant, even if costs remain mid-tier. For supply-chain planners, Clearwater now belongs on the serious watch list for late-decade battery-grade supply.

Atlas Lithium rare earths in Brazil reshape its critical minerals story

Atlas Lithium

Atlas Lithium rare earths in Brazil mark a major strategic shift for the US-listed lithium developer. The company has identified rare earth deposits at its Ipora and Alto do Paranaiba projects, adding ionic clay and sedimentary rock resources to its portfolio. This Atlas Lithium rare earths in Brazil announcement broadens its exposure beyond brine and hard-rock lithium into magnetic and heavy rare earths.

The Ipora project in Goias has emerged as an important ionic clay discovery. Initial drilling shows 2,071ppm total rare earth oxides (Treo), including 775ppm magnetic rare earth oxides, positioning Atlas Lithium rare earths in Brazil within a competitive grade range. As a result, the project stands out for its heavy rare earth oxide recovery rate of 55pc and yttrium recovery at 63pc, both attractive metrics for downstream magnet and electronics supply chains.

Alto do Paranaiba links rare earths with titanium credits

Alto do Paranaiba in Minas Gerais adds a very different style of mineralisation. The project hosts near-surface Treo grades up to 28,870ppm alongside 23.3pc titanium dioxide, pointing to potential by-product titanium value. Therefore Atlas Lithium rare earths in Brazil now span both ionic clays and high-grade sedimentary units, which can diversify processing options and revenue streams.

However, the company still needs to confirm continuity, metallurgy and scalable mine plans at Alto do Paranaiba. Near-surface grades offer potential for lower strip ratios and faster development, but sediment-hosted rare earths require careful flowsheet design. Investors will focus on how Atlas prioritises drilling, pilot testing and sequencing between Ipora and Alto do Paranaiba.

Building a multi-commodity critical minerals platform

Atlas Critical Minerals, the company’s Brazilian subsidiary, now controls more than 218,000 hectares of mineral rights across rare earths, titanium, graphite and uranium. This scale provides optionality for partnerships and off-take, especially as Western buyers seek non-Chinese rare earth sources. Meanwhile, combining Atlas Lithium rare earths in Brazil with its lithium portfolio could position the group as an integrated critical minerals developer rather than a single-commodity play.

As a result, Atlas can align its narrative with supply-chain diversification, energy transition and defence applications. But execution risk remains high, given early-stage status, capital needs and complex permitting in Brazil. Clear timelines, resource updates and metallurgical results will determine whether these discoveries translate into bankable projects.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Atlas is moving quickly to rebrand itself from a pure lithium story into a broader critical minerals platform. The rare earth discoveries are promising, particularly the ionic clay potential at Ipora, but still sit firmly in the exploration risk bucket. For now, these finds strengthen strategic optionality and headline appeal more than near-term cash flow.

PLS Ngungaju Lithium Plant Restart Signals Stronger Confidence in Spodumene Demand

PLS

PLS Ngungaju lithium plant restart marks a notable shift in sentiment across the lithium sector. PLS said it will restart the Ngungaju processing plant at Pilgangoora in Western Australia, with production resuming in July. The plant has capacity of 200,000 t/yr of spodumene concentrate. As a result, PLS Ngungaju lithium plant restart suggests the company sees stronger customer demand and firmer lithium market conditions ahead.

This move matters because producers do not restart idled capacity lightly. PLS directly linked the decision to sustained improvement in market conditions and customer demand. That makes the restart more than a technical update. Therefore, PLS Ngungaju lithium plant restart is a commercial signal that parts of the lithium market are stabilizing.

Pilgangoora already holds strategic importance in the global spodumene trade. Adding Ngungaju output back into the system strengthens PLS’s ability to respond to improving demand. Meanwhile, the restart also gives the market a clearer sign that producers are becoming more confident in near-term offtake conditions.

Pilgangoora Spodumene Expansion Adds a Bigger Growth Layer

Pilgangoora spodumene expansion is the larger strategic story behind the restart. PLS is also studying an increase in total Pilgangoora capacity to around 2mn t/yr of spodumene. That shows the company is not only restarting existing capacity. It is also thinking about the next scale phase.

This matters because future lithium supply will depend on projects that can grow efficiently from an established base. Pilgangoora already has operating infrastructure and market relevance. Therefore, Pilgangoora spodumene expansion could become one of the more important medium-term supply growth stories in Australian lithium.

The combination of restart and expansion study sends a stronger message than either move alone. A restart suggests near-term confidence. A capacity study suggests longer-term ambition. As a result, PLS is positioning Pilgangoora as both a recovery asset and a future growth platform.

Lithium Refining Strategy Now Moves Closer to PLS Control

Lithium refining strategy is also becoming more central to the company’s direction. PLS agreed to take full ownership of a demonstration refining plant from Calix. That facility is designed to produce more than 3,000 t/yr of concentrated lithium-phosphate salt from about 27,000 t/yr of spodumene feed. Consequently, PLS is moving further downstream as well as restoring mining and processing capacity.

This step matters because lithium producers increasingly want more control over value-added conversion, not only concentrate supply. Full ownership of the demonstration plant gives PLS greater freedom in how it develops its refining path. Therefore, lithium refining strategy is becoming a more meaningful part of the company’s wider portfolio.

The broader implication is clear. PLS is strengthening both upstream and downstream options at the same time. That creates more flexibility if lithium demand continues to recover. Meanwhile, it gives the company more strategic depth than a pure spodumene producer.

The Metalnomist Commentary

This restart matters because it suggests the lithium market is moving from defense toward selective reactivation. The more interesting signal is that PLS is pairing renewed spodumene output with greater refining control. That combination could make Pilgangoora one of the clearer recovery stories in the sector.

Elevra Mangrove Lithium Offtake Could Strengthen Eastern Canada’s Battery Supply Chain

Elevra Lithium

Elevra Mangrove lithium offtake could become an important building block in Canada’s battery materials chain. Elevra has agreed to supply Mangrove Lithium with up to 144,000 t/yr of spodumene concentrate. The material would come from Elevra’s North American Lithium operation in Quebec. As a result, Elevra Mangrove lithium offtake points to a more integrated regional lithium model.

This deal matters because it links upstream mining with planned downstream conversion in eastern Canada. Mangrove intends to process the concentrate into battery-grade lithium hydroxide or carbonate. That would keep more value inside North America instead of exporting raw material only. Therefore, Elevra Mangrove lithium offtake supports the broader push for localized battery supply chains.

The commercial structure also deserves attention. Pricing will follow a market marker with both a floor and a ceiling. That approach can reduce downside risk while also limiting extreme upside exposure. Consequently, the deal structure appears designed for stability rather than pure spot-market volatility.

Quebec Spodumene Supply Gains a New Domestic Processing Route

Quebec spodumene supply is becoming more strategically important as downstream conversion capacity develops nearby. Elevra plans to begin supplying Mangrove in 2028 and ramp up deliveries to 144,000 t/yr by 2030. That timeline gives both companies room to align mine output with conversion buildout. As a result, Quebec spodumene supply could gain a stronger domestic destination.

The agreement is still conditional, which is important. The parties may sign a binding deal later, but only if Mangrove commits before June 2027 to build its conversion facility. That means project execution remains the real next test. Meanwhile, the announcement still signals serious intent from both sides.

Eastern Canada Lithium Conversion Could Broaden Elevra’s Offtake Portfolio

Eastern Canada lithium conversion could give Elevra a more diversified commercial base. The company already has offtake agreements with LG Chem and Tesla. Those contracts use different pricing formulas linked to spodumene and lithium hydroxide. Therefore, Elevra Mangrove lithium offtake would add another channel with a more regional conversion focus.

For Mangrove, the agreement is equally strategic. Securing future spodumene supply is essential if the company wants to build a viable conversion business. Without feedstock certainty, downstream lithium projects often struggle to gain credibility. Consequently, this proposed deal helps strengthen the case for an eastern Canada lithium conversion platform.

The Metalnomist Commentary

This agreement matters because it connects mine output with regional chemical conversion, which is where North America still needs more depth. The bigger issue now is not whether the idea makes sense. It is whether Mangrove can commit to the plant and turn this framework into a binding supply chain.

Albemarle Announces Cost Cuts Amid Low Lithium Prices

US-based lithium producer Albemarle Corporation has announced the launch of cost-saving measures as well as halting some operations at one of its processing sites in Australia, as low prices for lithium persist. The company has decided to take action to preserve Albemarle's resources as well as to try to optimize its global network of mines and processing facilities, improve competitiveness, and reduce capital intensity, it said in its second-quarter results today.

It will initially adjust operations at its Kemerton lithium hydroxide processing plant in Australia, stopping activities at train 3 while idling production at train 2 but continuing production at train 1. The company expects to give more details on this operational review in its results for the third quarter.

"These actions showcase our deeper focus on cost and operating discipline," said Albemarle chief executive Kent Masters. "There is no question the global energy transition is underway. However, the pace of industry changes is dynamic."

The company said it expects lithium prices to average around $15/kg LCE for the whole of 2024, despite prices being much lower at present.

The company said EV demand growth in the US and Europe had moderated "substantially," and changes to the product mix of its downstream customers also weighed on demand for lithium. Masters said larger-than-consumer uptake of plug-in hybrid EVs (PHEVs) over pure battery EVs (BEVs) had a negative impact on lithium demand, due to the smaller batteries. Oversupply in China also contributed to falling prices.

"At current Chinese spot pricing, we believe and are hearing from the market that many non-integrated producers are unprofitable," said Kent. "Current pricing is well below the incentive pricing required for Western greenfield lithium projects."

He added geopolitical developments and the decision by the US Department of Energy to consider mines owned in part by China as foreign entities of concern will impact its Australian business. Albemarle co-owns the world's largest lithium mine, Greenbushes, with Tianqi lithium, a Chinese producer.

"We continue to anticipate 2.5 times lithium demand growth from 2024 to 2030. Additionally, we see battery size growing over time, driven by technology developments and EV adoption," said Kent.

Codelco Copper Performance Faces Review Under Chile’s Kast Administration

Codelco

Codelco copper performance will come under tougher scrutiny as Chile’s new administration prepares to review the state-controlled miner’s finances, management and operational execution. Economy and mining minister Daniel Mas said the government will take a “very critical look” at Codelco to ensure it remains a major national company.

Codelco copper performance matters because the company remains one of the world’s largest copper producers, with direct output of 1.3mn t in 2025 and 1.4mn t including its share in non-operated mines. Any operational weakness at Codelco has direct implications for Chile’s copper supply, fiscal revenue and global refined copper expectations.

Codelco copper performance has also become a political issue because the company faces rising debt, safety concerns and cost overruns at major mine-life extension projects. The shareholder review scheduled for 20 April will focus on areas requiring concrete measures to improve performance.

Debt, Cost Overruns and Mine Projects Drive Government Scrutiny

The Kast administration’s review will examine Codelco’s financial position, management quality, safety record and project execution. Mas pointed to cost overruns tied to the renovation of Codelco’s corporate offices in Santiago and major investments at Rajo Inca and Chuquicamata underground.

These projects are strategically important because they support mine-life extensions at core Chilean copper assets. However, overruns can pressure capital discipline at a time when copper producers already face higher costs, lower ore grades and more complex underground development.

Mas also highlighted Codelco’s debt burden. The company took on $8.7bn in debt to help finance around $7bn in contributions to the state between 2022 and 2025, creating tension between its role as a national revenue source and its need to reinvest in production stability.

Lithium Strategy Review Adds Another Layer to Codelco’s Role

The government also plans to review Chile’s national lithium strategy inherited from the previous administration. However, Mas said the Codelco-SQM lithium venture will have security to operate if all legal stages have been completed.

Chile’s comptroller general approved the joint venture in December 2025, which was regarded as the final condition for the deal. The transaction gives Codelco 50% plus one share in Nova Lithium, the joint venture with SQM.

Mas argued that Codelco’s 2025 profit of $2.4bn was not a pure copper result, because only $388mn came from copper sales. The rest came mainly from the fair value of the SQM-linked lithium acquisition, adding to debate over how Codelco’s performance should be measured.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Chile’s review of Codelco shows that national copper champions face rising pressure to prove operational discipline, not only resource ownership. The bigger issue is whether Codelco can fund copper renewal, manage lithium expansion and still deliver fiscal value to the state.

 

Volkswagen and QuantumScape Partner to Advance Solid-State Battery Production

In a significant move to enhance electric vehicle (EV) battery technology, Volkswagen (VW) has entered into a licensing agreement with US-based QuantumScape. VW's battery subsidiary, PowerCo, will leverage QuantumScape's advanced solid-state battery technology to scale up production.

Innovative Technology for Mass Production

Under the non-exclusive deal, PowerCo is authorized to manufacture up to 40 GWh per year using QuantumScape's solid-state battery technology, with the potential to expand production to 80 GWh annually. This capacity would be sufficient to power approximately one million electric vehicles per year. The companies announced this partnership on Thursday, emphasizing its potential to meet the growing global demand for improved EV batteries.

Technological Breakthrough

QuantumScape's cutting-edge technology utilizes a solid-state ceramic separator, enabling the use of a pure lithium-metal anode. This innovation promises significant advancements in battery performance, including higher energy density, faster charging times, and improved safety compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. The partnership between VW and QuantumScape aims to expedite the production of these next-generation batteries, providing a crucial boost to the EV market.

Future Production Plans

While PowerCo has not yet disclosed the specific timing or locations for the production facilities under this agreement, the collaboration marks a strategic shift from the previously planned joint venture between Germany-based Volkswagen and California-based QuantumScape. The new licensing arrangement allows PowerCo greater flexibility in manufacturing while continuing to benefit from QuantumScape's pioneering technology.

A Strategic Pivot

This deal replaces the earlier joint venture between the two companies, reflecting a strategic pivot to better address the rapidly evolving demands of the EV market. By licensing QuantumScape's technology, VW aims to streamline its production processes and accelerate the deployment of high-performance solid-state batteries.

As the automotive industry increasingly shifts towards electric mobility, collaborations like this highlight the importance of innovative partnerships in driving technological progress and meeting the global need for sustainable transportation solutions.

ReElement rare earth scaleup secures $22mn for US critical minerals

ReElement

ReElement rare earth scaleup takes a major step with $22mn in fresh funding. The US refiner will expand production of rare earth oxides, lithium carbonates and other defense critical minerals at its Indiana facilities. As a result, the ReElement rare earth scaleup directly supports Washington’s push for resilient, non Chinese critical mineral supply chains.

Funding package strengthens US rare earth separation capacity

The ReElement rare earth scaleup relies on a blended funding package from private and federal sources. Maxus Capital Group provided a $20mn equipment leasing facility to finance large scale processing equipment. This capital will expand production lines at ReElement’s Marion and Noblesville sites in Indiana.

In parallel, the US Department of Defense awarded ReElement an additional $2mn grant. The DoD support aims to strengthen domestic separation and purification of critical minerals for defense applications. Therefore, the ReElement rare earth scaleup aligns directly with US national security priorities and allied sourcing strategies.

The combined $22mn allows ReElement to move from pilot scale toward more meaningful commercial volumes. However, the company must still demonstrate consistent operations and competitive unit costs against established Asian processors. Successful ramp up would mark a significant milestone for US based rare earth refining.

Patented technology underpins ReElement rare earth scaleup

Advanced processing technology sits at the heart of the ReElement rare earth scaleup. The company uses a patented method to produce 99.5% pure rare earth oxides. These include neodymium, dysprosium and terbium, which are essential for high performance permanent magnets.

ReElement can treat diverse feedstocks, including ores, recycled magnets and manufacturing waste. This flexibility supports both primary mining projects and a growing magnet recycling ecosystem. Meanwhile, the Marion facility also produces lithium carbonate from lithium iron phosphate black mass. That capability links the ReElement rare earth scaleup to battery recycling, not just magnet supply chains.

By combining rare earth separation and lithium carbonate production, ReElement positions itself as a multi stream critical mineral refiner. Therefore, its growth trajectory will matter for magnet makers, EV battery supply chains and defense contractors alike. Investors will watch how quickly the company can qualify products with downstream customers.

The Metalnomist Commentary

ReElement’s progress shows how relatively modest capital injections can unlock strategic capacity in rare earths and battery materials. The mix of DoD backing and private leasing underscores growing comfort with asset light financing structures in critical minerals. Market participants should track offtake deals and product qualification, which will determine whether this scaleup becomes a true pillar of US magnet and battery raw material supply.

Gotion Slovakia battery plant anchors new EU battery supply hub

Gotion Slovakia battery plant

Gotion Slovakia battery plant construction has begun, marking a major step in Europe’s race for local EV cell capacity. The Gotion Slovakia battery plant will be the country’s first gigafactory and a key node in China–EU battery supply chains. As a result, the Gotion Slovakia battery plant positions Slovakia as a new player in Europe’s electrification map.

Gotion Slovakia battery plant targets EU gigafactory scale

The first phase of the Gotion Slovakia battery plant will add 20GWh a year of lithium-ion capacity. Gotion plans pilot production in 2026, with commercial volumes starting in 2027 and feeding customers across EU markets. This timing aligns with accelerating European EV and energy storage demand, as automakers seek diversified cell suppliers.

Meanwhile, the Surany facility will be Slovakia’s first battery gigafactory, strengthening Central Europe’s role as an automotive manufacturing corridor. Products will likely support both passenger EVs and stationary storage, given Gotion’s broad lithium-ion portfolio. Therefore, OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers in the EU gain another large-scale, non-European cell source inside the single market.

Chinese battery makers accelerate overseas footprint

Gotion has rapidly expanded outside China, with projects in Morocco, Thailand, Japan and the US adding to 20 global plants. The company targets 300GWh a year of installed capacity by 2025, including 100GWh outside China, to serve regionalised EV supply chains. However, its planned Michigan cathode and anode plant was cancelled after policy disagreements with local authorities.

As a result, Europe and emerging markets now absorb more of Gotion’s outbound investment as geopolitical trade risks rise. Chinese battery makers are building overseas to diversify customers, reduce tariff exposure and align with “local-for-local” industrial policies. These projects also hedge against potential future export controls on advanced battery materials and equipment.

Export controls delayed but policy risk remains

China has postponed planned export restrictions on certain high-end lithium batteries, key equipment, cathode materials and artificial graphite. The one-year delay followed talks between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump and removes an immediate brake on Chinese firms’ overseas expansion. However, the episode underscores how quickly regulation can reshape the global battery value chain.

In the near term, Gotion and its peers gain critical time to lock in projects and qualify products with Western OEMs. Longer term, governments may still tighten controls around strategic battery technologies and materials. Therefore, assets like the Gotion Slovakia battery plant will be increasingly valued for their on-shore, policy-resilient capacity.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Gotion’s Slovakia project is another sign that gigafactory competition is shifting from pure cost to geopolitical resilience. For European automakers, Chinese-backed plants inside the EU offer cost-effective capacity but deepen strategic interdependence. The next question is whether Brussels and national governments will pair such investments with stronger upstream and recycling policies to secure the full battery value chain.

ReElement South African Antimony Contract Extension Strengthens Defense Supply Chain

ReElement

ReElement South African antimony contract received a significant extension as American Resources and its subsidiary ReElement Technologies expanded their existing five-year antimony agreement to ten years with an undisclosed South African mineral supplier. The ReElement South African antimony contract extension positions the US company to process 500 metric tonnes monthly of stibnite ore initially, with expected revenues of at least $29 million annually from contracted volumes, addressing critical supply chain vulnerabilities following China's antimony export restrictions.

Strategic Timing Capitalizes on Chinese Export Restrictions

ReElement South African antimony contract expansion comes at a critical juncture following China's December 2024 ban on antimony exports to the United States, alongside germanium and gallium restrictions. The partnership initially targets 1,000 metric tonnes per month of antimony-bearing ore with potential for significant volume expansion based on market demand and offtake agreements. ReElement confirmed the ore quality exceeds 50% antimony concentration, indicating high-grade material suitable for defense and commercial applications.

Meanwhile, ReElement demonstrated advanced refining capabilities achieving greater than 99.7% pure antimony(III) sulfide from antimony ore at its central Indiana facilities. The company will process stibnite ore into ultra-pure antimony(III) sulfide or antimony(III) oxide using proprietary refining technology. These compounds serve critical applications in ammunition production, missile manufacturing, flame retardants, batteries, and solar panels across defense and commercial sectors.

Market Fundamentals Support Long-Term Growth Strategy

However, the global antimony(III) oxide market provides substantial growth opportunities with 2023 valuations reaching approximately $852 million. Market analysts project compound annual growth rates of 4.9% through 2034, potentially reaching $1.43 billion total market value. Antimony trisulfide applications in military ammunition and antimony trioxide usage in flame retardants drive sustained demand across defense and commercial markets.

Therefore, the ten-year agreement with automatic renewal provisions supports long-term supply agreements while generating stable revenue streams for ReElement's operations. Initial tolling revenues from the first phase are projected to exceed $29 million annually, with substantial growth potential aligned with rising domestic demand for critical minerals. The extended contract duration delivers enhanced value for all stakeholders including commercial and defense customers requiring secure antimony supplies.

Domestic Processing Capabilities Address National Security Priorities

Furthermore, ReElement's antimony refining expansion aligns with broader US critical minerals supply chain security initiatives. The company operates as part of American Resources Corporation's integrated approach to critical mineral processing, focusing on rare earth elements, lithium, and now antimony refining capabilities. ReElement's Marion, Indiana facility provides the foundation for scaling antimony operations while evaluating additional domestic and international processing sites.

As a result, the partnership addresses urgent national security requirements for domestically produced antimony compounds essential to defense applications. Mark Jensen, CEO of American Resources and ReElement, emphasized the strategic importance: "China's recent ban on exports of antimony, germanium and gallium accelerated this opportunity, allowing us to showcase the versatility, scalability and flexibility of our technology on a global scale - filling the supply gap now present in the United States and other allied nations."

The Metalnomist Commentary

ReElement's antimony contract extension exemplifies how US critical minerals companies capitalize on Chinese export restrictions to establish alternative supply chains, particularly important given antimony's essential role in defense applications where supply security outweighs cost considerations. The partnership's focus on high-grade South African ore combined with domestic processing capabilities creates a vertically integrated approach that addresses both economic and national security objectives in the evolving critical minerals landscape.

China Battery Overcapacity Crackdown Targets Price Wars and Overseas Expansion

China Battery

China battery overcapacity concerns deepened after government authorities held another meeting with leading power and energy storage battery producers on 9 April. The meeting signalled stronger regulatory pressure on disorderly competition, low-price strategies and excessive capacity expansion in the lithium battery sector.

The meeting brought together 16 major battery producers and several industry associations. It was the second such regulatory session since January, showing that Beijing sees battery overcapacity as a structural industrial risk rather than a short-term market adjustment.

China battery overcapacity has grown as domestic and overseas capacity plans have moved far ahead of actual demand. Regulators are now seeking capacity early-warning mechanisms, stronger market-order controls and tighter oversight of aggressive price competition.

Regulators Target Involution-Style Competition

Chinese authorities said the meeting aimed to implement senior government directives against “involution-style” competition. This term refers to excessive internal rivalry that destroys margins, weakens investment discipline and creates unsustainable price wars.

Regulators also discussed a negative list of irrational competitive practices in the power and energy storage battery industry. This would give authorities a clearer tool to identify and restrict behaviour that destabilises the market.

The new focus on the “externalisation of involution” is especially important. It shows that Beijing is now concerned not only about domestic overcapacity, but also about excessive overseas expansion by Chinese battery producers.

Chinese battery companies have accelerated global plant construction to serve overseas demand and reduce exposure to geopolitical restrictions. But if too much capacity is exported abroad, price pressure could spread into global power battery and energy storage markets.

Capacity Mismatch Creates Pressure Across Battery Materials

China’s power and energy storage battery output reached 1,755.6GWh in 2025, up 60.1% from a year earlier. Sales rose by 63.6% to 1,700.5GWh, confirming strong demand growth but also exposing the scale of capacity pressure.

Planned national capacity has climbed close to 5,000GWh. That implies utilisation rates below 40%, which helps explain why regulators are concerned about price wars and weak production discipline.

The issue also matters for battery materials. Overcapacity can pressure cathode active materials, precursors, lithium carbonate, graphite, copper foil, separators and electrolytes if producers chase volumes rather than margins.

Chinese battery firms are also becoming more important abroad. CATL, BYD, Gotion High-Tech, Farasis Energy, SVOLT Energy and CALB recorded 218GWh of overseas power battery installations in 2025, accounting for 47.2% of the global market.

The Metalnomist Commentary

China’s battery crackdown shows that scale alone is no longer enough. The next phase of battery competition will reward disciplined capacity, stronger technology, regional supply-chain positioning and healthier margins over pure volume growth.

EnerSys Tijuana Battery Plant Closure Shifts Production to US TPPL Facility

EnerSys

EnerSys Tijuana battery plant operations will close as the US-based stored energy systems supplier shifts production to its thin plate pure lead facility in Springfield, Missouri. The move reflects a broader strategy to increase US manufacturing and reduce exposure to tariff risk.

The company said the transition will support greater use of advanced US manufacturing tax benefits. It also positions EnerSys closer to domestic customers at a time when supply chain security and local production have become more important in battery markets.

EnerSys Tijuana battery plant closure also marks a technology shift. The company is moving away from conventional lead-acid battery production in Mexico toward TPPL technology, which it says offers higher power density and stronger discharge performance.

TPPL Technology Strengthens EnerSys’ Domestic Manufacturing Position

TPPL batteries are an advanced form of lead-based energy storage. They are designed to deliver higher power output, faster recharge capability, and improved performance compared with traditional flooded lead-acid systems.

For EnerSys, the Springfield facility gives the company a platform to scale higher-value battery production in the US. This can support applications where reliability, power density, and performance under demanding conditions matter.

The move also fits a wider industrial trend. Battery manufacturers are increasingly reshoring or regionalising production to qualify for incentives, lower tariff exposure, and improve supply certainty.

Tariff Risk and Tax Benefits Reshape Battery Supply Chains

EnerSys Tijuana battery plant closure shows how policy incentives are influencing manufacturing footprints. The company is seeking to maximize advanced US manufacturing tax benefits while reducing uncertainty linked to potential tariffs.

This matters for the broader lead battery supply chain. Domestic TPPL production could increase demand for refined lead, lead alloys, separators, battery components, and recycling-linked feedstock inside the US.

The decision also highlights that energy storage strategy is not only about lithium-ion batteries. Lead-based technologies remain important in backup power, industrial systems, telecom, defense, transportation, and critical infrastructure applications.

The Metalnomist Commentary

EnerSys’ move shows that battery supply chain reshoring is spreading beyond lithium-ion. Policy incentives, tariff risk, and performance upgrades are now reshaping even mature lead-based battery manufacturing.

US Copper Flows Shift West as Washington Targets African Supply Chains

Copper

US copper flows are becoming a strategic policy priority as Washington seeks to redirect African copper away from China-oriented supply chains and into western manufacturing networks. The shift shows how copper is moving beyond its traditional role as an industrial commodity.

US policymakers are pursuing a dual strategy. They want to accelerate domestic copper projects and processing while also securing international copper sources that can feed US and allied supply chains faster.

The Democratic Republic of Congo has become central to this effort. The country offers high-quality resources and faster supply potential than many long-dated greenfield copper projects.

US copper flows are therefore being reshaped through offtake agreements, financing structures, infrastructure plans and strategic partnerships. The goal is to create secure mine-to-end-use supply chains that support American manufacturing and reduce dependence on China-linked material routes.

African Copper Becomes a Strategic Supply Target

The DRC’s copper output has historically moved east into Chinese-controlled or China-oriented value chains. Washington now wants to build alternative routes that connect African copper to the US and allied industrial base.

This is not only about copper cathode or concentrate volumes. It is about who controls logistics, financing, offtake, processing and final market access.

The US is already using state-backed financing and trading structures to compete for African copper and cobalt. The DRC, Zambia and Guinea are emerging as priority jurisdictions in this wider mineral strategy.

Glencore’s possible sale of a 40% stake in two DRC copper-cobalt mines to the US-backed Orion Critical Mineral Consortium shows how policy and capital are beginning to move together. More US interest is also emerging in Congolese copper-cobalt, manganese, gold and lithium assets.

This matters because China has built deep influence across African mining, processing and trading channels. Western buyers cannot change copper flows only by expressing demand. They need financing, infrastructure, political support and long-term offtake commitments.

The US strategy also reflects a broader recognition that copper supply security cannot rely only on domestic mines. US copper resources are substantial, including brownfield leach opportunities and idle stockpiles, but permitting remains a major constraint.

International supply partnerships can move faster than many US projects. That makes African copper strategically valuable as Washington tries to support manufacturing, grid expansion, defence supply chains and electrification.

Inventory Distortions Change Copper Market Economics

US copper flows are also being affected by tariff expectations and inventory shifts. Around 1.9mn-2mn t of copper metal inventory is now sitting globally, with roughly 1.2mn t located in the US.

That is an unusually high share because the US consumes about 2mn t/yr, while China consumes roughly 15mn t/yr. The result is a market where headline global stocks look large, but copper outside the US can feel much tighter.

This inventory concentration changes copper economics. The same copper unit can carry different value depending on location, policy exposure, tariff risk and available delivery route.

That marks a major shift from the older copper market model. Copper was once priced mainly around construction cycles, manufacturing demand and visible exchange stocks. It is now increasingly priced around jurisdiction, logistics and strategic access.

The CME-LME arbitrage has reopened to encourage flows into the US. This reflects how policy expectations can pull metal across regions even when global balances appear more comfortable.

Physical demand remains supportive. Chinese demand has stayed resilient, Yangshan premiums have strengthened, and Shanghai inventories have continued to draw. These signals suggest that the broader copper market remains tighter than simple stock numbers imply.

Copper’s role in grids, electrification and data centres has also changed how governments view the metal. Copper is now becoming a strategic asset for industrial policy, not only a material input for construction and manufacturing.

The biggest commercial opportunities may therefore shift from pure price arbitrage to control over flows. Traders, miners and governments will increasingly compete through logistics, financing, offtake and jurisdictional positioning.

US copper flows will remain central to that competition. The race is no longer only about producing more copper. It is about deciding where copper goes, who processes it and which industrial systems it supports.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Copper is becoming a policy metal because electrification has turned physical access into a strategic advantage. The next copper cycle will not be defined only by price, but by who controls African supply routes, financing and end-use allocation.

Gallium and Scandium Waste Recovery Startup Targets Critical Mineral Bottlenecks

Supra Elemental Recovery

Gallium and scandium waste recovery is gaining a new player in the US critical minerals market. Supra Elemental Recovery launched with $2mn to advance its reusable cartridge technology. The company aims to recover metals from industrial byproducts, mine tailings, and electronic waste. As a result, gallium and scandium waste recovery is moving closer to commercial use.

This matters because gallium and scandium remain strategically sensitive materials. Western supply has tightened after Chinese export controls squeezed access to several critical minerals. That pressure has increased across defense, aerospace, and energy-related supply chains. Therefore, US gallium supply and scandium recycling are becoming more important industrial priorities.

The company’s approach also stands out because it focuses on recovery from waste streams rather than new mining alone. Supra says its system uses a reusable sponge-like cartridge to capture target metals. That model could reduce dependence on conventional upstream supply. Consequently, gallium and scandium waste recovery may become a more practical diversification tool.

Critical Mineral Recovery Technology Moves Toward Pilot Scale

Critical mineral recovery technology is becoming more valuable as concentrated supply chains remain a strategic risk. Supra’s system is designed to recover metals from several overlooked sources, including industrial waste and mine tailings. That gives the company access to materials that already exist inside the industrial system. As a result, the business is aligned with the growing push for circular supply models.

The company is also preparing for a commercial pilot in 2026. The initial funding will support further technology development and pilot readiness. That means the project is still early stage, but it is moving beyond pure research. Therefore, critical mineral recovery technology is starting to enter a more commercial phase.

The scientific foundation adds credibility to the effort. Supra’s technology builds on federally supported research at the University of Texas at Austin. That background suggests the company is building from a stronger technical base than a typical early startup. Meanwhile, it aligns with broader US interest in domestic critical minerals innovation.

US Gallium Supply and Scandium Recycling Could Gain a New Pathway

US gallium supply could benefit if Supra proves it can recover high-purity material at meaningful scale. Gallium remains important for semiconductors, electronics, and advanced industrial uses. Scandium also matters for aerospace and other high-performance applications. Therefore, a domestic recovery pathway for both metals would carry strategic value.

The business may also extend beyond these two materials. Supra is testing recovery of cobalt, lithium, and some rare earths. That suggests the company is building a platform rather than a single-metal solution. Consequently, gallium and scandium waste recovery may be only the first step in a broader critical minerals strategy.

The wider market message is clear. Waste recovery is no longer a secondary topic in strategic materials. It is becoming a serious supply option where mining and refining remain exposed to geopolitical concentration. As a result, smaller technology firms may play a bigger role in future critical mineral resilience than their scale first suggests.

The Metalnomist Commentary

This launch matters because it focuses on one of the most overlooked parts of the critical minerals chain: recoverable waste. Gallium and scandium are small-volume metals, but they create outsized pressure when supply tightens. If Supra can prove its process at pilot scale, waste recovery could become a more credible answer to critical mineral concentration.

EV demand low into early 2026 forces GM to reset its EV roadmap

GM

EV demand low into early 2026 is forcing GM to reset its electrification roadmap. The company now expects a sharp slowdown in US EV demand from October, with weakness extending into early 2026. As a result, GM EV strategy will focus less on volume and more on profitability, cost reduction and flexible product planning while EV demand low into early 2026 reshapes investment priorities.

EV demand low into early 2026 shifts focus from growth to profitability

GM is refocusing its EV portfolio on returns as EV demand low into early 2026 erodes earlier growth assumptions. Management will target lower material costs through larger battery modules and new chemistries, seeking better pack economics across upcoming models. This shift shows how GM EV strategy is moving from pure scale to margin protection in a cooling market.

However, the company still holds a meaningful EV position despite the slowdown. GM delivered more than 66,000 EVs in the US during the third quarter, capturing a 16.5pc market share. Even so, the $1.6bn charge tied to converting the Orion, Michigan plant back to internal combustion output signals a decisive retreat from some earlier EV capacity bets. GM will also end production of its BrightDrop electric delivery van after weaker than expected fleet demand.

Tariff exposure falls as GM doubles down on North American supply chains

Tariff relief and localisation are cushioning GM as EV demand low into early 2026 complicates planning. The company cut its 2025 tariff exposure by $500mn, now guiding to $3.5bn-4.5bn in potential duties. Recent tariff measures on some vehicle imports have had limited impact on GM because of years spent strengthening North American supply chains.

As a result, sourcing strategies have become a core pillar of GM EV strategy. Management highlighted investments in magnet supply and its stake in Lithium Americas as examples of upstream de-risking. These moves help secure critical materials for both EV and hybrid programs while limiting exposure to geopolitical shocks. Still, quarterly profit fell to $1.3bn from $3bn a year earlier, underlining how a softer EV ramp and restructuring costs weigh on near-term earnings.

The Metalnomist Commentary

GM’s reset shows that profitability is now the dominant theme in Western EV markets. For metals producers, slower EV growth into 2026 could delay some demand, but localisation of magnets, batteries and power electronics remains structurally bullish. Suppliers that can offer both competitive pricing and North American footprint will be best positioned as GM and peers rebalance their EV roadmaps.