The US is set to see a twenty-fold increase in lithium chemical production between 2025 and 2035, according to Benchmark’s Lithium Forecast. Albemarle and Arcadium Lithium are the only two companies operating lithium refineries in the US. However, there are more than 20 companies with plans to operate a lithium refinery in the country by […]
> For the last decade the world’s largest mining companies found the lithium sector not attractive enough to invest, given the relative geological abundance of the metal as well as small size and low barriers to entry. We previously discussed that it was probably too late for major miners to enter the industry for value – […]
> Oil-major ExxonMobil is expanding its footprint in the battery supply chain after reaching an agreement to acquire Superior Graphite, in a deal that includes the latter’s planned 12ktpa synthetic graphite facility in Kentucky, where commercial production is slated for 2029. Although it represents Exxon’s first direct foray into synthetic graphite production, the oil-giant is developing […]
> Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, specialising in battery supply chain research and insights, reports that 12.7GWh of new operational capacity entered operation in October 2025. Operational Capacity The grid-scale BESS market saw 12.7GWh of new capacity enter operations globally in October 2025, a y-o-y increase of 29%. China led new operational capacity with just under 8.8GWh of […]
> China has postponed the implementation of its expanded rare earth export controls announced in early October following high-level US-China trade negotiations in South Korea this week. It marks a temporary easing in what had become an escalating front in the tit-for-tat US–China trade confrontation. The announcement follows extensive economic and trade consultations in Kuala Lumpur, […]
> 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 […]
> Rio Tinto is in discussions to acquire Arcadium Lithium, as confirmed by both companies on Monday. If a deal is agreed, this would catapult the Anglo-Australian mining giant into the top five lithium players and cement its position in the lithium market. “Rio has a global vision, and may have been preparing for such a […]