Rapid Lithium Expands into Canada with Strategic Acquisition of Ga, Ge Mineral Claims

Rapid Lithium

Australia-based Rapid Lithium is set to enhance its portfolio by acquiring several mineral claims in British Columbia, a move orchestrated through a deal with Canada-based Broadstone Resources. This acquisition, part of the Prophet River project, is aimed at tapping into the rich deposits of zinc, gallium (Ga), and germanium (Ge) — metals of increasing strategic importance due to their applications in high-tech industries.

Strategic Metals in the Spotlight

The Prophet River project has garnered attention due to its remarkably high germanium values, some of the highest recorded globally, according to Rapid Lithium. This positions the project as a potentially significant source of germanium and gallium, metals crucial for military and communication technologies in the US and Europe.

These metals have recently been thrust into the limelight following China’s decision to ban all exports of gallium and germanium to the US at the beginning of December, escalating tensions within global technology supply chains. This geopolitical move has underscored the critical need for diversified sources of these metals to secure technological and defense capabilities.

Market Dynamics and Price Fluctuations

The acquisition comes at a time when the market for these metals is experiencing volatility. Following China’s export ban, prices for gallium in Europe surged from $490-550 per kilogram at the beginning of the month to $550-600 per kilogram, as reported by Metalnomist on 19 December. Similarly, germanium prices have seen a sharp increase, climbing to $2,950-3,350 per kilogram from $2,950-3,100. This price hike is a direct consequence of US buyers rushing to secure supplies from non-Chinese sources, highlighting the strategic nature of Rapid Lithium's new venture into gallium and germanium production.

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

Ganfeng Lithium

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

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

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

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

Expanding Ganfeng’s Global Lithium Portfolio

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

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

Strategic Implications for Global Lithium Markets

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

Xinjiang Nonferrous in China Begins Lithium Carbonate Production

Lithium Carbonate

Xinjiang Nonferrous Metal, a state-owned producer in China, has commenced lithium carbonate production at a facility located in the Hetian area of northwest China's Xinjiang region.

This project, with a designed capacity of 100,000 tons per year for lithium salts, will be developed in two phases. The initial phase includes the production of 30,000 tons per year of lithium carbonate, 30,000 tons per year of lithium hydroxide, and 15,000 tons per year of lithium chloride.

Construction of the first phase began in July of last year, and by the end of May, the company had produced its first batch of qualified products from the 30,000 t/yr lithium carbonate line. The goal for this year is to produce 12,000 tons.

Details regarding the construction timelines and launch dates for the second phase, which will produce 25,000 tons per year of lithium salts, remain undisclosed.

Xinjiang Nonferrous is developing an integrated facility encompassing mining, separation, and processing, with the capacity to process 3 million tons of lithium ore annually to produce 600,000 tons of high-grade lithium concentrate. The company plans to commence mining operations in the coming months, aiming for an annual production of 130,000 tons of concentrate this year.

In 2019, the company acquired exploration rights for rare metals in the Hetian area for 2 billion yuan ($276 million). The area's measured and controlled lithium ore resources total 50 million tons, equivalent to 700,000 tons of lithium oxide. Resource estimates are expected to increase to 100 million tons, equivalent to 1.5 million tons of lithium oxide, upon completion of exploration.

Chinese lithium producers are ramping up production both domestically and internationally to meet strong demand from the electric vehicle battery industry. Another domestic lithium producer, Hunan Anneng Ganfeng, is also set to commence production at a 25,000 t/yr lithium carbonate plant in October.

The rapid increase in output has outpaced demand growth, leading to a decline in prices. On June 19, Metalnomist assessed prices for 99.5% grade lithium carbonate at 94,500-99,500 yuan per ton ex-works, down by over 80% from their record highs in November 2022. Increased supplies from Qinghai, China's main production hub for lithium extracted from brines, have continued during the warmer summer months. Some major producers may reduce output if prices continue to fall.

Argentina lithium production capacity set to surge 250pc by 2035

Argentina lithium

Argentina lithium production capacity is entering a new expansion phase that will reshape global battery raw material supply. The government now targets a more than 250pc increase in Argentina lithium production capacity over the next decade, after capacity has already more than doubled in the past two years. This rapid scale-up positions the country as a central pillar of the lithium triangle and a strategic partner for global battery and EV manufacturers seeking long-term supply security.

Rapid build-out of Argentina lithium production capacity

Argentina lithium production capacity has grown from 75,500 t/yr in 2023 to 186,000 t/yr of LCE in 2025. This represents a 146pc increase and marks a sharp acceleration from 2015, when just 35,000 t/yr came from two active projects. Today there are seven operating projects across multiple salars, backed by a mix of global and regional producers. These assets include operations linked to Rio Tinto, Posco, Ganfeng, Lithium Argentina, Zijin and a Franco-Chinese joint venture, reflecting diversified ownership and financing structures.

By 2030, Argentina lithium production capacity is expected to reach 418,000 t/yr and then rise to 658,000 t/yr by 2035. This trajectory implies a potential 253pc increase versus 2025 levels as brownfield expansions and new projects ramp up. Authorities built their outlook on 15 projects, combining the seven operating sites, their planned expansions and eight advanced developments such as Hombre Muerto West, Pozuelos-Pastos Grandes, new carbonate units and brine projects in the pipeline. As a result, Argentina is moving from a niche supplier to a core pillar of global LCE growth.

Strategic implications for global lithium supply chains

This expansion of Argentina lithium production capacity comes as automakers and battery producers seek diversified supply beyond a few dominant jurisdictions. Additional Argentine brine output should help ease medium-term supply risk, even as demand from EVs, energy storage and grid applications continues to grow. However, timing risks remain around permitting, infrastructure, community engagement and financing, which could still shift the actual ramp-up profile.

For investors, the enlarged project pipeline offers exposure across different risk and return profiles, from established brine operations to newer developments led by mid-tier players. Meanwhile, downstream buyers are likely to pursue more long-term offtake agreements in Argentina to lock in volumes and hedge against price volatility. Over time, the country’s growing role in the lithium triangle may also support the emergence of local value-added industries, such as cathode materials or battery component production, if policy and infrastructure align.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Argentina’s push to expand lithium production capacity confirms that supply growth will not be constrained to one or two regions. The key question is not whether capacity is planned, but how much of it will arrive on time and on budget. For now, Argentina looks set to climb rapidly up the league table of LCE producers, but execution risks, water management and community dynamics will ultimately determine how much of this theoretical capacity becomes reliable, long-term supply.

Lilac Argentina Pilot Plant Achieves 91% Lithium Recovery Rate

Lilac

Lilac Argentina pilot plant demonstrated exceptional performance with 91% lithium brine recovery using proprietary direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology in Jujuy province. The US-based Lilac Solutions' Lilac Argentina pilot plant success represents a significant breakthrough in sustainable lithium processing, achieving 99.4% overall impurity rejection while removing 99.9% of sodium, the primary contaminant in regional brine deposits.

Direct Lithium Extraction Technology Delivers Superior Performance

Lilac Argentina pilot plant operations showcase advanced DLE capabilities that eliminate traditional evaporation pond requirements. The technology enables faster and more environmentally friendly lithium processing compared to conventional methods that require extensive land use and prolonged evaporation cycles. The pilot facility mirrors future commercial-scale operations at one-third scale, providing reliable performance validation for full-scale deployment.

Meanwhile, the Argentina facility would produce 42 metric tonnes annually of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) if operated continuously throughout a full year. This production capacity demonstrates commercial viability while validating technical specifications for larger installations. The successful sodium removal rate addresses a critical challenge in Argentina's lithium-rich but high-impurity brine resources.

Multi-Location Strategy Validates Global Applicability

However, Lilac Solutions operates additional pilot facilities across diverse geographic locations to validate technology performance across varying brine compositions. The company maintains pilot operations in Chile and Utah, producing trial lithium quantities at both sites. This multi-location approach demonstrates DLE technology adaptability to different geological and chemical conditions.

Therefore, the global pilot program provides comprehensive data for commercial scaling while reducing technical risks associated with site-specific challenges. Each location offers unique brine characteristics that test different aspects of the DLE system's capabilities. The diverse testing environments strengthen investor confidence and support technology commercialization across international markets.

Commercial Scaling Opportunities in Lithium Markets

Furthermore, Lilac's successful Argentina demonstration positions the company advantageously within the rapidly expanding lithium market driven by electric vehicle and energy storage demand. Jujuy province hosts significant lithium resources within the broader Lithium Triangle region, creating substantial scaling opportunities for proven DLE technology. The environmental advantages of DLE align with increasingly stringent sustainability requirements from automotive manufacturers.

As a result, the 91% recovery rate achievement establishes new performance benchmarks for direct lithium extraction while addressing environmental concerns associated with traditional processing methods. Lilac's technology offers lithium producers faster project development timelines and reduced environmental footprints compared to evaporation-based alternatives increasingly challenged by water scarcity and environmental regulations.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Lilac's Argentina pilot success demonstrates how advanced direct lithium extraction technologies can overcome traditional processing limitations while meeting growing environmental sustainability requirements in lithium production. The exceptional impurity rejection rates and rapid processing capabilities position DLE as a transformative approach for unlocking previously challenging brine resources, particularly important as the industry scales to meet exponential battery demand growth.

Argentina Salta Lithium Boom Positions Province as Global Energy Transition Hub

Argentina Salta Lithium

Argentina Salta lithium boom accelerates as the northern province emerges as the cornerstone of the country's expanding mining industry following government approval of Rio Tinto's Rincon project under the RIGI incentive program. The Argentina Salta lithium boom reflects strategic positioning within global energy transition supply chains, with provincial mining secretary Romina Sassarini declaring Salta will become "a reference point for lithium in the country and worldwide" as multiple international producers establish operations in the resource-rich region.

RIGI Program Attracts International Lithium Investment

Argentina Salta lithium boom benefits from the national government's RIGI economic and legal incentive program that provides fiscal and legal stability for major mining investments. Rio Tinto's newly approved Rincon mine represents the fourth lithium project in Salta, requiring $2.7 billion investment to produce 60,000 tonnes annually by decade's end. China's Ganfeng, France's Eramine, and South Korea's Posco already operate lithium production facilities while applying for RIGI incentives for expanded production stages.

Meanwhile, Argentina's lithium output surged from 75,000 tonnes in 2024 to projected 131,000 tonnes in 2025 according to mining trade organization CAEM. This rapid production growth positions Argentina as a critical supplier for global battery markets while establishing Salta as the primary production hub. The province's strategic importance extends beyond lithium to include copper and gold reserves, including First Quantum Minerals' $3.5 billion Taca Taca copper-gold-molybdenum project awaiting final permits.

Infrastructure Development Addresses Production Bottlenecks

However, massive infrastructure investments are required to support expanding mining operations and projected production growth. Mining projects operating and planned in Salta require additional 575MW of electricity generation capacity, prompting provincial development of comprehensive electricity plans emphasizing solar power deployment. The renewable energy focus aligns with sustainable mining practices while addressing power supply constraints.

Therefore, transportation infrastructure development becomes equally critical as the province pursues multilateral bank financing for the 2,400-kilometer bi-oceanic highway connecting Brazil to Chile through Argentina and Paraguay. This continental corridor will enable efficient lithium and mineral exports to Pacific and Atlantic markets while reducing logistics costs. Sassarini emphasized that coordinated efforts between provincial, company, and national government stakeholders will resolve logistic bottlenecks limiting industry growth.

Argentina Salta

Strategic Positioning Supports Global Supply Chain Integration

Furthermore, Salta's emergence as a world-class lithium exporter addresses growing global demand for battery materials essential to electric vehicle production and energy storage systems. The province's integrated approach combining multiple international producers, infrastructure development, and regulatory stability creates competitive advantages for sustained industry growth. Mining sector transformation generates substantial economic impact through employment, tax revenue, and supply chain development.

As a result, the RIGI program eliminates financial bottlenecks while creating frameworks for long-term industry development across multiple mineral commodities. Salta's strategic positioning within the Lithium Triangle region enhances Argentina's competitiveness against Chilean and Bolivian producers while serving diverse global markets. The coordinated development approach demonstrates how provincial governments can catalyze mining industry growth through targeted policy support and infrastructure investment.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Argentina's Salta province exemplifies how strategic resource endowments combined with supportive policy frameworks can rapidly transform regional economies into global supply chain hubs, particularly important as lithium demand accelerates through energy transition requirements. The province's comprehensive approach addressing both production capacity and infrastructure bottlenecks demonstrates sophisticated understanding of mining industry development requirements, positioning Salta advantageously within the competitive global lithium market as established and emerging producers seek reliable supply sources.

SNEP lithium salts plant starts production to meet China’s EV battery demand

Sichuan New Energy Power

SNEP lithium salts plant has begun production in Sichuan to supply battery makers. The SNEP lithium salts plant adds 30,000 t/yr of battery-grade capacity. As a result, the SNEP lithium salts plant strengthens China’s lithium supply chain.

Capacity, products, and partners

SNEP commissioned its Mianzhu facility with 30,000 t/yr nameplate capacity. The plant will produce 15,000 t/yr lithium carbonate and 15,000 t/yr lithium hydroxide. The project cost Yn1.49bn and moved from build to product launch in 16 months. Eve Energy and Svolt each hold 24.5pc, aligning offtake with leading cell makers. SNEP retains a 51pc operating stake to anchor strategy and quality.

Upstream integration and market context

SNEP advances vertical integration through the Lijiagou spodumene project. That mine targets 180,000 t/yr of concentrate once ramped. Meanwhile, SNEP’s Dingsheng unit adds 15,000 t/yr salts capacity in Sichuan. China’s EV and storage sectors keep expanding, supporting lithium demand. However, price volatility persists as new supply enters the market.

Rising domestic capacity aids cost control and security of supply. Battery-grade hydroxide supports high-nickel chemistries for long-range EVs. Carbonate supports LFP cells for mass-market cars and stationary storage. Therefore, diversified output improves resilience across chemistries. Rapid commissioning also signals improving Chinese processing know-how.

The Metalnomist Commentary

This commissioning tightens links between upstream spodumene and downstream cathode supply. Watch ramp efficiency, product qualifications, and offtake pacing into 2025. If Lijiagou stabilizes, SNEP could hedge input risk and sustain margins across cycles.

China’s Lithium Market Sees Major Mining Rights Acquisitions Amid EV Boom

Inner Mongolia Dazhong Mining

The lithium mining landscape in China is witnessing significant acquisitions as companies like Sichuan Natural Resources Investment and Canmax secure key mining and exploration rights, positioning themselves strategically amid the electric vehicle (EV) industry’s surge. These developments reflect a broader optimism regarding the long-term value of lithium, a critical component in EV batteries.

Sichuan Natural Resources Investment Expands with Mackitan Mine

On December 3, Sichuan Natural Resources Investment, a domestic mining entity, successfully bid approximately Yn2.46 billion for the exploration rights to the Mackitan lithium mine located in Ganzi prefecture, Sichuan province. This site boasts an impressive 885,500 tonnes of lithium oxide resources with an average grade of 1.5 percent, marking a significant enhancement in the firm’s asset base.

Canmax Technologies Enters the Lithium Race

Parallel to Sichuan’s acquisition, Canmax Technologies, known for its electro-static discharge and cleanroom contamination control solutions, announced on December 2 that it had acquired the mining rights for a ceramic soil lithium-containing mine in Jiangxi province for Yn2.51 billion. Spanning across Fengxin and Yifeng counties, this mine is expected to have a productive lifespan of 22.9 years.

Recent Trends and Future Outlook

The lithium market reached record price levels in November due to escalating demand propelled by the burgeoning EV sector. However, rapid production expansions have slightly outstripped the pace of demand growth, leading to concerns about potential oversupply. Nonetheless, strategic mine acquisitions continue as firms anticipate stable long-term demand.

China’s C&D Begins Construction of Major Lithium Carbonate Plant in Sichuan

Xiamen C&D

$144 Million Investment to Boost Battery-Grade Lithium Supply for EV Industry by 2027

Xiamen C&D, a Chinese state-owned conglomerate, has launched construction of a large lithium carbonate production facility in Dazhou, Sichuan province, in partnership with Jiangxi Kexiang Enterprise Management. The new project targets China's fast-growing electric vehicle (EV) supply chain, with a projected total capacity of 140,000 tons per year of battery-grade lithium carbonate.

The project, valued at 1.05 billion yuan ($144 million), will be developed in three phases. The first phase, expected to produce 40,000 tons per year, is scheduled to begin operations by the end of 2025. Full-scale production is planned for completion by 2027, reflecting China's continued investment in core battery materials infrastructure.

Lithium Carbonate Capacity Expands Amid EV Boom

Lithium carbonate remains a critical raw material for lithium-ion batteries, which power the majority of electric vehicles globally. China, as the world’s largest EV market, continues to increase domestic production to reduce reliance on imports and stabilize raw material prices.

Alongside this project, other major players like Zhejiang Zhongneng have also ramped up output. On February 17, the company launched its new facility in Shaoxing, Zhejiang province, with an initial capacity of 10,000 tons per year.

However, experts warn that rapid capacity expansion across China may be outpacing demand. Oversupply could continue to weigh on lithium carbonate prices, which have already declined from their 2022 highs. Despite this, long-term fundamentals remain strong as EV adoption continues worldwide.

Sunstone Anode Output Soars in 2024 Amid Surging Lithium-Ion Battery Demand

China Shandong Sunstone

China’s Shandong Sunstone significantly increased its anode output and sales in 2024, driven by booming lithium-ion battery production. The Sunstone anode output rose in both traditional prebaked carbon anodes and synthetic graphite materials used in EV battery supply chains.

Prebaked Carbon Anode and Synthetic Material Output Surge

Sunstone’s production of anode materials jumped to 54,100 tonnes in 2024, marking an 83% increase from 29,600 tonnes in 2023. Corresponding sales rose 66% to 43,800 tonnes. This growth reflects rising demand for lithium-ion batteries, which rely on synthetic graphite and carbon-based anodes.

In addition, Sunstone produced 3.26 million tonnes of prebaked carbon anodes in 2024, a 10% increase from the previous year. Sales for these anodes also rose 11% to 3.32 million tonnes. The company sources over 3 million tonnes of petroleum coke annually to fuel this growing demand.

EV Battery Growth Accelerates Feedstock Consumption

The lithium-ion battery market continues to expand at a rapid pace. Global shipments reached 1,545.1 GWh in 2024, up 29% from 2023. China led the way with 1,214.6 GWh in shipments, marking a 37% year-on-year increase. As a result, firms like Sunstone are scaling up production capacity to keep pace with downstream EV and energy storage demands.

Petroleum coke remains a critical feedstock for anode manufacturing, tying Sunstone’s operations closely to oil refining supply chains. This strategic positioning enables the company to support China's dominant role in global battery exports.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Sunstone’s rapid output expansion reflects the deepening integration between China’s anode manufacturers and the global EV battery market. As demand for graphite-based materials surges, securing raw materials like petroleum coke will become increasingly strategic.

Liontown Lithium Output Surges as Underground Operations Accelerate

Liontown Lithium

Australia's Liontown Resources has increased its lithium output by 12% in the first quarter of 2025, reaching 95,709 tonnes of spodumene concentrate. This marks a significant leap from the previous quarter and supports its ambitious transition to full underground mining by early 2026.

Liontown Hits Q1 Production Milestone

Liontown’s Kathleen Valley mine saw spodumene output rise from 85,698t in October–December 2024 to 95,709t in January–March 2025. This growth reflects the mine’s ramp-up phase, as it produced nothing during the same period a year ago. To meet its semiannual target of 170,000–185,000t, Liontown must deliver at least 74,291t in the current quarter.

Shipments also climbed 16% quarter-over-quarter to 93,940t. With a current stockpile of 1.3 million tonnes and 23,000t of saleable concentrate ready, Liontown is well-positioned to sustain production through its upcoming underground transition.

Strategic Stockpile Supports Transition to Underground Mining

Underground development at Kathleen Valley remains ahead of schedule by 160 meters. By the end of March, Liontown had completed 1,849 meters of underground development. The first underground ore was extracted on 9 April 2024, with initial concentrate output recorded on 31 July 2024.

Liontown plans to draw down 500,000t of ore from its stockpile in Q2 2025 and an additional 100,000t in the second half of the year. This strategy ensures uninterrupted production as the company targets full underground operations by January–February 2026.

Market Dynamics Influence Lithium Pricing

Australia's total lithium exports jumped from 2 million tonnes in 2021 to 3.9 million tonnes in 2024, with 94.4% of that supply headed to China. Liontown CEO Tony Ottaviano noted that while demand remains robust, pricing will only recover as inventory levels normalize. However, the ongoing US-China trade tensions are limiting demand growth and suppressing prices.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Liontown’s rapid ramp-up in lithium output highlights Australia's growing dominance in the global battery supply chain. However, geopolitical tensions and inventory overhang continue to weigh on market pricing, posing a challenge to near-term profitability despite operational momentum.

EMP Metals Saskatchewan lithium resource surges 79% on Viewfield–Mansur upgrade

EMP Metals

Resource upgrade underpins Project Aurora

EMP Metals Saskatchewan lithium resource increased by 79%, strengthening project fundamentals. The Viewfield project now holds 931,000t LCE indicated at 141 mg/L. Combined inferred resources at Viewfield and Mansur reach 1.12mn t LCE. Therefore, scale supports a robust development path. EMP Metals plans to supply brine from Viewfield. The company will build infrastructure to feed a demonstration refinery.

Modular refining plan targets rapid commercialization

EMP Metals Saskatchewan lithium resource now anchors Project Aurora with Saltworks. Saltworks will design a 3,000 t/yr modular commercial refinery. The team will use data from the demonstration plant to finalize costs. As a result, EMP could deploy repeatable modules across its acreage. EMP employs direct lithium extraction on brines. The company controls 205,000 acres in southern Saskatchewan.

EMP Metals Saskatchewan lithium resource also advances de-risking milestones. The purity and flow data from the demo will drive engineering. Meanwhile, scalable modules can accelerate time to market. Consequently, capital intensity may fall compared with bespoke builds. Stakeholders will watch operating costs and recovery rates. Regulatory timelines and offtakes remain key catalysts.

The Metalnomist Commentary

EMP’s larger resource improves bankability and optionality for modular build-outs. However, commercial success hinges on DLE performance and unit costs. Monitor demo results, capex estimates, and offtake traction through 2026.

Liontown Ramps Up Lithium Production at Kathleen Valley Amid Growing Demand

Liontown Resources

Steady Growth in Spodumene Concentrate Output

Liontown Resources continues to ramp up lithium production at its Kathleen Valley project in Western Australia, reinforcing its position as a key player in the global battery metals market. The company produced 88,683 tonnes of spodumene concentrate in the October-December 2024 quarter, a significant increase from 28,171 tonnes in the previous quarter. This surge in production brings the firm closer to achieving a stable output rate in early 2025.

Production Expansion and Shipment Milestones

Liontown mined 1.2 million tonnes of lithium ore in Q4 2024, doubling its stockpiles from 570,000 tonnes to 1.2 million tonnes. The firm expects to produce between 170,000 and 185,000 tonnes of spodumene concentrate in January-June 2025, maintaining its upward momentum. However, it announced a slight reduction in long-term processing capacity at Kathleen Valley, cutting its original 3 million tonnes per year ore target to 2.8 million tonnes per year.

Despite steady production growth, lithium ore milling dipped in November 2024, reaching 181,000 tonnes, down from 208,000 tonnes in October, due to a planned mill shutdown. Fortunately, operations recovered in December, supporting continued production increases.

Strategic Shipments to Global Offtake Partners

In December 2024, Liontown completed its first spodumene concentrate shipment, delivering 11,000 wet metric tonnes (wmt) to LG Energy Solution (LGES), a major South Korean battery manufacturer. Additionally, 22,000 wmt of concentrate was shipped to other short-term partners, further expanding Liontown’s customer base.

Another shipment is scheduled for January 2025 for a new long-term offtake partner, with the delivery set to depart from Western Australia's Port of Geraldton. While Liontown has yet to disclose details about this agreement, the move signals growing global interest in Australian spodumene concentrate.

As lithium demand surges for electric vehicle (EV) batteries, Liontown’s rapid production scale-up positions it as a key supplier in the global lithium supply chain. With further shipments and processing improvements on the horizon, the company remains on track to meet 2025 production targets.

Hunan Shunke Launches Manganese Flake Plant in China’s Hunan Province

Chinese producer Hunan Shunke New Material has commenced operations at its new manganese flake plant, initiating production with the first two lines. According to local government reports, these initial production lines are expected to yield a combined output of 2,200 tons per month. The company plans to activate the remaining three production lines by the end of this year, with an ambitious target to produce 25,000 tons of manganese flake in 2024.

Located in Huayuan county in central China’s Hunan province, Hunan Shunke has collaborated with Dongfang Mining, another flake producer in the region, investing 30 million yuan ($4.1 million) in this project. The expansion into manganese tetroxide production, which is crucial for the lithium-ion battery industry, is also part of Shunke's strategic growth plan.

The rapid growth of the electric vehicle (EV) power battery sector has driven many Chinese companies to increase production of manganese-based battery materials. In 2023, China’s lithium manganate production rose to 122,000 tons, marking a 40% increase from the previous year, according to the China Non-Ferrous Metals Industry Association.

In related developments, Hubei Boyang New Materials announced in July plans to build a manganese-based cathode active materials (CAM) plant in the Changyang economic development zone of Yichang city, Hubei province. Additionally, Wuxi Jewel Power and Materials revealed plans in June to construct lithium manganate and lithium manganese iron phosphate plants in Guangyuan, Sichuan province.

CATL Begins Construction of 25 GWh/yr Battery Plant in Fujian

CATL

China’s largest battery manufacturer, CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Ltd.), has started building its No. 5 plant at the Fuding battery production complex in Fujian province. The plant, with an annual production capacity of 25 GWh, is part of CATL’s strategy to expand its dominance in the global new energy power battery market.

Key Details of the Project

• Investment: 6.47 billion yuan ($910 million).
• Timeline: Construction is set to finish by June 2025, with production commencing shortly afterward.
• Fuding Complex: CATL’s largest single battery production site, with a total capacity of 120 GWh/yr, has already completed four plants.

A 1 GWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery typically requires 2,300 tons of lithium carbonate feedstock, underscoring the significant demand for lithium resources that the plant will generate.

CATL’s Global Production Leadership

• Current Output: CATL produced 211 GWh of batteries from January to June 2024, accounting for 65% of its total capacity of 323 GWh/yr.
• Growth: This represents a 37% increase from 154 GWh during the same period last year.
• Global Footprint: CATL operates 13 production bases worldwide, solidifying its leadership in the energy storage and electric vehicle battery sectors.

Concerns About Potential Oversupply

China’s power battery production has led global growth over the past decade, driven by surging demand from the new energy vehicle (NEV) market. However, rapid capacity expansions have raised concerns about potential oversupply, which could pressure margins and disrupt market dynamics, according to industry participants.

Strategic Importance

CATL’s latest expansion in Fujian aligns with its mission to support the fast-growing NEV market while staying ahead of competitors. The additional capacity will play a critical role in meeting the global shift toward renewable energy and electric mobility.

China’s Sunway Set to Launch Sichuan Anode Material Plant

Conch Venture Sunway

Conch Venture Sunway, a prominent Chinese producer of anode materials, is set to begin production at its newly constructed facility in Leshan city, Sichuan province. This facility marks a significant milestone for the company in the rapidly growing lithium-ion battery supply chain.

The first phase of the plant, designed with a production capacity of 40,000 tons per year, began construction in September 2022 and was completed by June 2023. Trial production commenced in October, and full-scale operations are slated to launch in December. Once fully operational, the plant will contribute to Sichuan's reputation as a major hub for lithium-ion battery manufacturing.

The Leshan facility is part of a larger plan, with the second phase expected to add another 60,000 tons per year of capacity. However, details regarding the timeline and execution of the second phase remain undisclosed.

Conch Venture Sunway is a joint venture between Conch Venture, a provider of energy conservation and environmental protection solutions, and Sunway, a leading special cable manufacturer. This collaboration leverages Sichuan’s abundant hydropower resources, which allow producers to benefit from low electricity prices of 0.30-0.35 yuan/kWh ($0.04-0.05/kWh).

Producing 1 ton of synthetic anode material requires substantial energy, consuming 11,000-15,000 kWh, with over 60% allocated to the graphitisation process. Sichuan’s competitive energy rates provide a distinct advantage for companies like Conch Venture Sunway in scaling their operations sustainably.

As global demand for lithium-ion batteries continues to rise, fueled by the rapid adoption of electric vehicles and renewable energy storage solutions, Conch Venture Sunway’s new facility positions the company at the forefront of anode material production.

Guizhou Phosphate LFP Plant Breaks Ground to Expand Battery Materials Production

Guizhou Phosphate

Guizhou Phosphate Chemical, a state-owned Chinese firm, has started construction on a major LFP plant in southwest China. Located in Kaiyang, Guizhou, the facility is designed to produce 600,000 tonnes per year of lithium iron phosphate, with full commissioning expected by 2028. The plant is part of a broader push to enhance China’s control over the lithium battery supply chain.

Multimetal Facility to Support China’s NEV Ambitions

The Guizhou Phosphate LFP plant is part of a larger complex valued at ¥33.1 billion ($4.5 billion). In addition to LFP materials, it will produce iron phosphate, lithium carbonate, copper, and titanium dioxide. The first phase, focused solely on LFP, will be operational by 2026. This aligns with China’s drive to support domestic production amid rising demand from new energy vehicles (NEVs) and grid-scale storage.

Oversupply Looms Despite Surging LFP Output

While LFP shipments in China surged 48% year-over-year to 2.43 million tonnes in 2024, market value dropped by 30% due to oversupply. The Guizhou Phosphate LFP plant joins other large-scale projects, including Tsingshan’s mega-complex in Zhijin County, further crowding the market. This rapid expansion raises concerns about long-term price stability and profitability within the LFP sector.

The Metalnomist Commentary

The Guizhou Phosphate LFP plant exemplifies China’s aggressive industrial scaling in battery materials. While strategic for EV dominance, unchecked expansion may strain margins and intensify global competition in LFP supply chains.

Cygnus Metals and Doré Copper Mining Announce Completion of Merger to Enhance Critical Minerals Exploration

Cygnus Metals

Cygnus Metals, an Australian critical minerals explorer, has successfully completed its merger with Canadian firm Doré Copper Mining. This strategic consolidation aims to intensify the exploration and development of high-grade copper and lithium assets in Quebec, Canada.

Strategic Expansion in Quebec's Rich Mineral Landscapes

The merger forms a dual-listed critical minerals powerhouse in both Australia and Canada, focusing on two major projects in Quebec: the Chibougamau Copper and Gold Project and the James Bay Lithium Project. These projects position the newly merged entity to leverage Quebec's rich mineral resources for critical raw materials necessary for various high-tech and green technologies.

The Chibougamau project, in particular, boasts substantial measured and indicated mineral resources amounting to 3.6 million metric tonnes at a 3 percent copper equivalent. It also features an existing processing facility with a capacity of 900,000 tonnes per year, providing a solid foundation for rapid development and production scaling.

Future Plans and Industry Impact

Looking ahead, the company is set to prioritize resource growth at the Chibougamau site, with an extensive exploration drilling campaign planned for 2025. This initiative underscores the company’s commitment to expanding its copper and gold outputs while exploring potential lithium deposits critical for the burgeoning electric vehicle and renewable energy sectors.

The merger not only enhances the operational capacities and resource base of both Cygnus Metals and Doré Copper Mining but also strengthens their position in the global market for critical minerals, vital for the transition to sustainable energy sources.

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.

Global Solid-State Electrolyte Shipments Surge as Semi-Solid Batteries Scale

Solid state electrolyte

Global solid-state electrolyte shipments are rising rapidly as semi-solid batteries move toward vehicle adoption and full solid-state battery commercialisation advances. Chinese research institute EV Tank said shipments reached 4,100t in 2025, more than doubling from a year earlier.

The increase marks an important early-stage signal for the battery materials industry. Electrolytes are one of the core materials that determine the energy density, safety and commercial viability of solid-state batteries.

Global solid-state electrolyte shipments are still small compared with conventional lithium-ion battery materials. However, the growth rate shows that downstream producers are beginning to prepare for larger semi-solid and solid-state battery output.

EV Tank expects global solid-state electrolyte shipments to reach 229,000t by 2030. That would imply a compound annual growth rate of more than 120% from 2025 to 2030, making electrolytes one of the fastest-growing segments in advanced battery materials.

The forecast reflects both technological progress and industrial positioning. Battery producers, automakers and materials companies are now investing ahead of expected demand from electric vehicles, energy storage systems and high-end electronics.

Semi-Solid Batteries Create the First Commercial Demand Base

Semi-solid batteries are likely to provide the first meaningful demand base for solid-state battery electrolytes. EV Tank expects these batteries to begin vehicle adoption from 2026, ahead of full solid-state battery mass production.

This timing matters because semi-solid batteries can act as a bridge technology. They offer improved safety and performance compared with conventional liquid-electrolyte batteries, while avoiding some of the most difficult technical barriers facing all-solid-state cells.

Semi-solid battery growth is already supporting electrolyte shipments. These products still use electrolyte systems that may differ from fully solid-state designs, but they create early commercial demand for sulphide, oxide, polymer, halide and composite electrolyte materials.

Full solid-state batteries are expected to enter small-scale mass production from 2027. That stage will likely remain limited at first because large-scale production still faces technical, cost and qualification challenges.

The market therefore looks likely to develop in phases. Semi-solid batteries will drive early electrolyte consumption, while full solid-state batteries will gradually expand once production processes, interfaces and reliability improve.

Electrolytes are central to this transition. They influence ion conductivity, safety, cycle life, energy density and compatibility with electrodes. Any weakness in electrolyte performance can limit the entire battery system.

This is why electrolyte development is becoming a strategic battleground. Battery makers cannot scale solid-state technology only by changing cell design. They need stable, high-quality electrolyte materials that can be produced consistently at industrial scale.

Capacity expansion is accelerating in response. EV Tank expects producers with annual electrolyte capacity at the thousand-tonne level to emerge within the next one to two years.

That would mark a shift from laboratory and pilot-scale material production toward early industrial supply. It would also create a more competitive market among electrolyte producers seeking qualification with battery manufacturers.

For battery materials suppliers, this creates a new growth category. Electrolytes may become a higher-value segment within the battery chain, especially if producers can meet strict requirements for purity, particle control, stability and conductivity.

For automakers, the key issue is reliability. Vehicle adoption requires materials that can perform under harsh cycling, temperature and safety conditions. This means electrolyte suppliers must pass long qualification cycles before volume demand can fully develop.

Technology Routes and Cost Cuts Shape the Scale-Up

Solid-state battery electrolyte technology remains diversified, especially in semi-solid batteries. Sulphide, oxide, polymer and halide routes are developing in parallel, while both single-electrolyte and composite-electrolyte solutions are being adopted.

This diversity shows that the industry has not yet settled on a single dominant material route. Different technologies offer different advantages in conductivity, stability, manufacturability, cost and safety.

Sulphide electrolytes currently dominate the roadmap for full solid-state batteries. They offer high ionic conductivity and are widely viewed as one of the most promising routes for high-performance battery cells.

However, sulphide systems also face challenges. They require careful handling, moisture control and interface engineering. These factors can raise production complexity and slow commercial scale-up.

Oxide electrolytes offer strong chemical and thermal stability, but they can face processing and interface resistance challenges. Polymer electrolytes offer manufacturing flexibility, but often struggle with conductivity at room temperature. Halide electrolytes are gaining interest because of their electrochemical stability and potential compatibility with high-voltage cathodes.

Composite electrolyte solutions may become increasingly important. By combining material systems, producers can try to balance conductivity, flexibility, stability and manufacturability.

Cost reduction is also becoming a major commercial driver. EV Tank said improvements in material quality and production processes lowered costs across several technology routes in 2025.

Sulphide electrolyte costs fell by more than 35% during the year. This is significant because cost remains one of the biggest obstacles to wider solid-state battery adoption.

Lower electrolyte costs improve the competitiveness of solid-state batteries against conventional lithium-ion technologies. They also make it easier for battery makers to test commercial deployment in premium vehicles, high-performance energy storage and other demanding applications.

Still, cost reduction alone will not guarantee rapid commercialisation. The industry must also solve interface stability, dendrite control, manufacturing yield, pressure management and long-term cycle reliability.

This explains why some major automakers remain cautious. BYD chief scientist Lian Yubo has said solid-state batteries still face core technical bottlenecks and that liquid and solid-state batteries should develop as complementary technologies.

Great Wall Motor also does not expect large-scale commercialisation of all-solid-state batteries in the near term. This caution suggests that the market may grow strongly, but unevenly.

The commercial pathway is therefore not a simple replacement of liquid batteries. Conventional lithium-ion batteries, semi-solid batteries and full solid-state batteries are likely to coexist for years, each serving different cost and performance segments.

This has important implications for materials demand. Solid-state growth could increase demand for lithium metal, high-nickel cathodes, sulphur-based materials, oxides, halides and specialty chemical precursors. But it may not immediately reduce demand for conventional electrolytes, separators or liquid battery components.

The forecast of 229,000t of global solid-state electrolyte shipments by 2030 points to a large materials opportunity. But the final market size will depend on how quickly automakers adopt semi-solid batteries and how successfully full solid-state batteries move from demonstration to reliable mass production.

For supply chains, qualification will be decisive. Battery makers will not buy electrolyte materials only because capacity exists. They will need stable quality, competitive pricing, proven performance and reliable long-term supply.

For policymakers, solid-state batteries are increasingly tied to advanced manufacturing and energy security. Countries that control electrolyte technology and battery production could gain strategic advantage in next-generation electric vehicles and storage systems.

For the metals market, the key point is that battery innovation changes materials demand before full commercial adoption arrives. Producers begin scaling supply years before the technology reaches mass-market vehicles, creating early demand signals and investment cycles.

Global solid-state electrolyte shipments therefore offer a useful indicator of where advanced battery manufacturing is moving. The numbers remain small, but the growth curve is steep enough to attract capital, competition and supply-chain restructuring.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Solid-state electrolyte growth shows that next-generation battery competition is moving upstream into materials engineering. The market will expand quickly, but full solid-state batteries still need technical proof before they can reshape EV and energy storage supply chains at scale.