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 […]
> CODELCO, the Chilean state-owned copper miner, has reportedly offered their European customers record premiums on copper cathodes at USD 325/t for 2026 – 39% higher than last year’s level – according to sources familiar with the matter and media reports. This follows on from news last week that Aurubis increased offers 38% for 2026, leaving […]
> 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 […]
> Albemarle, the world’s largest lithium producer, has withdrawn its A$6.6 billion ($4.18 billion) bid to acquire Australian lithium miner Liontown, after the Australian billionaire Gina Rinehart built a large stake in the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 […]
> The copper market recorded robust supply-side performance in Q2 25, with the top 25 mining companies reporting a combined output of 3,800kt, an increase of 3.5% y-o-y. Growth was driven by stronger quarterly performances from BHP (516.2kt, +2.2% y-o-y), Codelco (338kt, +18.6% y-o-y), and Zijin Mining (279.3kt, +9.1% y-o-y). BHP, Freeport, and Codelco retained market-leading […]
> 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 […]
> India’s pipeline of cathode active material (CAM) production capacity is set to grow more than 50-fold over the next decade. Altmin, Himadri Speciality Chemical, and Epsilon Advanced Materials have the largest pipeline capacities in the country. Almost all CAM capacity under development in India is for LFP, both due to the popularity of the cathode […]
> All Chilean lithium now comes from mines with ratings from the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA), following SQM receiving its rating last week. Chile is forecast to produce a quarter of global lithium this year, according Benchmark’s Lithium Forecast. IRMA is the most rigorous mining standard in the world, comprising over 400 metrics across […]