A bidding war for the lithium producer Millennial Lithium is highlighting Argentina’s emergence as a key future supplier to the electric vehicle industry. Canadian miner Lithium Americas offered $400m this week in shares and cash for Vancouver-listed Millennial Lithium, the third offer for the company this year following one by China’s largest battery maker CATL […]
> 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 […]
> 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 […]
> 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 […]
> 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 […]
> 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 […]
> Indonesia has issued a ban on the issuance of new smelter permits for nickel matte, mixed hydroxide precipitate (MHP), and nickel pig iron (NPI), in a bid to curb overcapacity and incentivise value‑added investment in the battery supply chain. The policy marks the latest chapter in the Indonesian government’s strategic pivot in its nickel industrialisation […]
> As the dust settles on LME Week in London, Benchmark reviews some of the key themes that shaped discussions throughout the week and gauges sentiment across metal markets heading towards year end. Across the board, discussions reflected metal markets navigating shifting trade policy, supply-side disruption, and uneven demand recovery. Copper: Arbitrage and disruption dominate discussion […]
> Argentina’s lithium production is set to increase 340% between 2024 and 2035 compared to the 56% growth forecast for Chile, according to Benchmark’s Lithium Forecast. Despite this, Chile is set to maintain its position as the top producer of lithium in South America. The country is forecast to account for 44% of the region’s lithium […]