Argentina’s Mining Secretary stated that the country plans to commission eight new lithium projects by 2030, mostly brine-based lithium developments to be jointly developed by domestic and international companies. By then, annual production capacity of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) will reach 409,000 tonnes, a 157% increase from the projected 159,000 tonnes in 2026, more than doubling output. Two projects, from Rio Tinto and Galán Lithium, are set to start production within months. Chinese and international firms including Ganfeng Lithium and Xizang Zhufeng Resources are also involved. The eight new projects will add a combined 305,000 tonnes of annual LCE capacity, which will ramp up gradually due to the nature of brine-based lithium extraction.

[SMM Steel] Tata Steel plans to increase its production capacity in India by 7 million tons, building on its current 25 million ton capacity through expansions at existing plants. The company is prioritizing organic growth over M&A, driven by strong domestic demand. In the short term, ongoing expansions may gradually increase supply availability in the local market.

War damage to Iran’s key steel mills threatens ~14 Mt of capacity, sharply reducing crude steel output and exportable supply. While domestic demand remains relatively stable, energy shortages and logistics disruptions amplify losses, tightening regional supply, supporting semi-finished steel prices, and reshaping trade flows.

According to the draft National Steel Policy 2025, India plans to aggressively expand its steel production capacity to 400 million tons by the 2035-36 fiscal year, requiring approximately $183.41 billion in capital investments. The policy heavily focuses on decarbonization and raw material independence, aiming to reduce reliance on imported coking coal to 80% from the current 90%. Furthermore, the government intends to lower average steel mill emissions to 2 tons of carbon dioxide per ton of rolled steel, promoting gas-based production and scrap utilization.

Champion Iron Limited announced the successful completion of its voluntary cash tender offer for the acquisition of Rana Gruber on April 10, 2026. This acquisition provides Champion Iron with an established iron ore operation in Norway, featuring an annual production capacity of approximately 1.8 million tons of high-grade hematite concentrates. The strategic move expands Champion’s presence in the European market and diversifies its high-grade asset portfolio for green steel feedstock.

【SMM Steel】Algeria is intensifying export diversification efforts, focusing on steel and logistics. On Apr 7, Béjaïa port exported >8,000 t of rebar, while Djen Djen port signed a partnership with Algerian-Qatari Steel to streamline procedures. Non-hydrocarbon exports hit $5bn in 2023. Exports rose 26% to >$4.3bn in Jan-Sep 2025. In Jan 2026, exports to the US rose 50.3% YoY to $238m. The Djen Djen agreement aims to cut cargo processing times and boost efficiency. Authorities aim to enhance infrastructure and production capacity.