Albemarle, the world’s largest lithium producer, has withdrawn its A$6.6 billion ($4.18 billion) bid to acquire Australian lithium miner Liontown, after the Australian billionaire Gina Rinehart built a large stake in the company. US-based Albemarle cited ‘growing complexities’ linked to the deal as a reason for its decision to withdraw the company, which is developing […]
> Around 15% of planned Australian mined lithium production has been cut from 2025 supply, owing to the continued low lithium price environment, according to an analysis by Benchmark based on company announcements. Spodumene prices are currently at $765 a tonne, 68% lower than they were this time 12 months ago, according to Benchmark’s Lithium Price […]
> Zijin Mining has acquired a 24.8% stake in Zangge Mining for RMB13.7 billion ($1.87 billion), following 2024’s trend of consolidation in the lithium market through merger and acquisition activity. Zangge is operating and developing direct lithium extraction (DLE) projects in China. Zijin, on the other hand, has a more international footprint with projects in Argentina […]
> In the third quarter of 2025, 18 of the largest 25 copper miners reported quarter-on-quarter decreases in their output, including the top four miners. The total Q3 copper production reported by the top 25 miners hit 3.72Mt. “In the third quarter, many companies saw lower production compared to the previous quarter. However, most did not […]
> South Korean steel and chemicals giant POSCO has taken a 30% stake in Australia’s Mineral Resources’ (MinRes) 50% stakes in the Mt Marion and Wodgina mines for US$765 million. Structured as a joint venture, the deal would see MinRes and POSCO hold an overall 35% and 15% of the operations, as well as corresponding rights […]
> Chile, the world’s second largest lithium producer, is forecast to account for 21% of global lithium production this year, whilst neighbouring Argentina sits in fifth place with 7% of global production. However, by 2030, Chile is set to drop to 13% whilst Argentina rises to 12% of global production, according to Benchmark’s Lithium Forecast. This […]
> Albemarle has offered a 20% higher bid for Australia’s Liontown Resources, in a deal that highlights the desire of lithium majors to acquire additional resources to meet future electric vehicle growth. Liontown said this week it would recommend a revised A$6.6 billion ($4.3 billion) deal by Albemarle, and allow it to move ahead with due […]
> Mining giant Rio Tinto has announced it will acquire Arcadium Lithium in a cash deal worth $6.7 billion. Combined, Rio Tinto and Arcadium could become the third largest lithium miner globally by 2030 if their projects come to fruition, according to Benchmark’s Lithium Forecast. The counter-cyclical deal comes as lithium prices have fallen by more […]
> Escalating unrest in Mali, as jihadi groups target fuel convoys around the capital Bamako, has led several governments including France and the US to advise their citizens to leave the country. The attacks have created fuel shortages, and raised serious concerns around the military government’s ability to maintain its rule in the country. Mali is […]