The emergence of new flake graphite projects outside of China are set to transform the industry’s cost structure over the coming decade, according to Benchmark analysis. Today, China dominates the flake graphite concentrate production cost curve, with the first 65 percentile solely occupied by Chinese mines. This low cost-base is facilitated by access to low-cost […]
> 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 […]
> Prime Minister Mark Carney has claimed victory in Canada’s election, following a campaign defined by rebuttals to President Trump’s annexation threats and Canadian pushback to aggressive US tariff policies. As Canada enters a new, more turbulent era in its relationship with the US, Prime Minister Carney has pledged to maintain Canada’s retaliatory tariffs against its […]
> Lithium chemical prices spiked in China on Monday following a bullish speech by the chairman of Ganfeng – the world’s third-largest lithium producer – in which it was suggested that lithium demand growth could reach 30% in 2026. In a keynote speech on 16 November at the 10th International Summit on Power Battery Application in […]
> 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 […]
> Following the conclusion of a formal public consultation, Benchmark Mineral Intelligence is modifying the specification of its high energy anode material grades to include a minimum charging rate, relevant for EV applications. This modification to the methodology for two of the existing grades in the Benchmark Anode Price Assessment begins from 15 October 2025. Two […]
> Benchmark hosted its inaugural Giga Africa event in Marrakesh, Morocco in September, featuring delegates from across the battery supply chain. Over the many conversations and discussions held about Africa’s place in the global battery supply chain, several key themes emerged: Explore these topics in the words of Giga Africa’s expert speakers and panellists.
> Australian lithium miner Liontown Resources has raised AUD316 million (US$206 mn) in equity. This includes investments from the Australian government and major Chinese lithium chemical producer Canmax. The funds will support the ramp up of Liontown’s Kathleen Valley spodumene mine which began operations last year. This comes following a recovery in spodumene prices, which traded […]
> President Trump has confirmed a 10% tariff on imports from China, and 25% tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico (later delayed by one month following last minute negotiations), ostensibly to curb fentanyl trafficking, illegal migration, and address trade imbalances. By ripping up the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), tariffs threaten to disrupt trade flows across […]