[CleanTech Is About to Sign a 40-Year Operating Contract With the Chilean Government for the Laguna Verde Lithium Project] CleanTech Lithium, an Anglo-Australian company, is about to sign a 40-year contract with the Chilean government to develop the Laguna Verde lithium project in the Atacama Region, enabling it to advance extraction of this mineral at one of the salt lakes opened to the private sector. After reaching agreement with the Ministry of Mining on the terms of the Special Lithium Operating Contract (CEOL), Chile’s Office of the Comptroller General is now expected to approve the document in Q2 2026. CleanTech, its subsidiary Atacama Salt Lakes, and minority shareholders that are among the consortium members established to advance the Laguna Verde project have begun celebrating this new phase, as it provides greater certainty for their investment. [Rio Tinto Begins Commercial Lithium Exports From the Rincon Project] Rio Tinto’s milestone achievement in commencing commercial lithium exports from the Rincon project marked a pivotal moment for the global lithium market. Miners are currently contending with the complex interplay of resource scarcity, geopolitical tensions, and the accelerating popularization of EVs. The traditional supply-chain dependencies that have defined battery materials sourcing for decades are being reshaped by new producers launching commercial operations in previously underexplored regions. These developments signify not merely a slight increase in capacity, but a fundamental shift in how critical minerals move from extraction sites to manufacturing hubs, with implications far beyond quarterly production data. Rio Tinto’s commercial lithium exports from the Rincon project reflected its prudent positioning in one of the world’s most fiercely contested mining regions for this mineral. Following the suspension of the Jadar project in Serbia in 2025, the company shipped 200 mt of battery-grade lithium carbonate from Buenos Aires to Shanghai in March 2026, marking the official start of operations at its core South American lithium asset. The timing of this market entry reflected broader industry dynamics across the Lithium Triangle. Argentina’s regulatory environment has increasingly favoured large-scale international mining operations. In addition, the Rincon project is located in Salta Province, placing Rio Tinto within a geographic cluster that contains significant global lithium resources across Argentina, Chile, and Bolivia. [The Geothermal Plant Behind Europe’s Lithium Push] The town of Landau in der Pfalz, near the French-German border, has long been at the heart of the local winemaking industry. The region is also home to the Upper Rhine Valley brine fields, which contain Europe’s largest lithium resources and have now made it a hub for Europe’s push to advance EV development. The planned integrated geothermal-lithium extraction plant forms part of renewable energy producer Vulcan Energy’s ambition to build a carbon-neutral EV supply chain in Europe. The project will use geothermal wells to extract lithium-rich brine from depths of up to 5 kilometers. The high-temperature brine will be pumped to the surface, where lithium will be extracted before being transported to a plant. There, the lithium will be converted through electrolysis into lithium hydroxide monohydrate (LHM). The brine will then be reinjected underground, while LHM will be delivered to offtakers, including automaker Stellantis, which owns automotive brands such as Citroen and Peugeot. [Liontown's Interim Loss Widens as It Bets on a Recovery in Lithium Prices] Australia's Liontown said on Thursday that its loss widened in H1 due to a non-cash accounting charge, and added that it is evaluating potential expansion options for its Kathleen Valley mine as lithium prices are expected to rise. The miner of this raw material used in EV batteries has been seeing an initial price recovery after nearly two years of weakness. Previously, EV adoption was slower than generally expected, resulting in oversupply. Liontown said in its December quarter report that prices improved, with the selling price reaching $900/mt, up 28% from the previous quarter. As its flagship project transitioned to underground mining, the company sold 190,000 mt of spodumene, a lithium raw material, in H1. Source: https://www.investing.com

Ahead of Q2, the tensions across China’s NEV supply chain had already become increasingly visible in February and March. On the one hand, battery output remained resilient, supported by OEM volume targets and the new-model cycle;

On the eve of the Spring Festival holiday, the lithium hydroxide market showed signs of a moderate price rebound. According to SMM data, on February 13, lithium hydroxide was quoted in a range of 130,000 to 145,000 RMB/ton, with an average price of 137,500 RMB/ton, an increase of 5,000 RMB/ton from February 6 (the previous Friday). As of February 13, the average price for February was provisionally reported at 139,575 RMB/ton. From the supply side, the overall lithium hydroxide supply remained tight in February. Although upstream smelters' willingness to release inventory slightly increased due to fluctuations in lithium carbonate futures prices, the overall sentiment to hold firm on prices remained strong, with quotes generally maintained at or above 140,000 RMB/ton. Pre-holiday macroeconomic policy expectations boosted sentiment in the lithium market. Coupled with the fact that few trading days remain in February, the pattern for the monthly average price has been largely set. Consequently, on the demand side, some material manufacturers increased their inquiries before the holiday to secure raw materials for post-holiday production. However, due to relatively sufficient earlier stockpiling and individual leading ternary material enterprises entering maintenance phases, the raw material shortage situation eased somewhat in the short term. Downstream companies showed limited acceptance of high raw material prices, with procurement intentions largely centered around the monthly average price. Overall, market transactions were still dominated by a tug-of-war between quoted prices and psychological price expectations, with actual trading volumes remaining quite limited. During the Spring Festival holiday, the market operated stably overall, with trading activity cooling down significantly. Affected by the hazardous chemical properties of lithium hydroxide, transportation came to a virtual standstill, and the market entered a seasonal quiet period. On the macro front, on the eve of the Spring Festival, the Chinese government announced the implementation of a zero-tariff policy for 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations, effective May 1st. It also promotes the signing of agreements on economic partnership for common development to expand market access for African products. This move will further deepen China-Africa economic and trade cooperation. In the long term, it is expected to broaden import channels for resources, including critical minerals, providing more solid resource support for China's new energy industry chain (such as battery raw materials). Meanwhile, significant movements also occurred in the international market. The U.S. Supreme Court's ruling that certain tariff policies from the Trump administration were illegal drove a broad uptick in overseas markets. It is expected that this trend will continue to reinforce domestic market confidence after the holiday. However, the minutes from the Federal Reserve's January meeting revealed significant divergence among policymakers regarding the future path of interest rates, which could exacerbate global capital market volatility and introduce uncertainty for the post-holiday market. Looking ahead to the post-holiday market: On the supply side, due to fewer production days and planned maintenance at some lithium salt plants, February's lithium hydroxide output is expected to decrease by more than 10% compared to January. On the demand side, as material manufacturers gradually resume production after the holiday, raw material procurement demand is expected to be gradually released, and market trading activity may pick up. However, the pace of the demand recovery still faces certain variables. On one hand, changes in the order structure of downstream battery cell manufacturers and the progress of new production line integration may affect the actual raw material procurement rhythm of material manufacturers. On the other hand, the price trends of upstream lithium ore and lithium carbonate, as well as the upcoming second-quarter contract negotiations, will also disturb the cost transmission and market expectations for lithium hydroxide, thereby exacerbating market uncertainty. Overall, the current lithium hydroxide market is in a phase of stabilizing before the holiday and gathering momentum afterward. The tug-of-war between supply and demand intensifies, intertwined with the influence of macroeconomic policies and the external environment. In the short term, prices are expected to remain volatile and range-bound. Subsequent trends will require close attention to downstream production start-up rates and upstream cost changes.

[Standard Lithium and Telescope Innovations Collaborate to Produce Next-Generation Solid-State Battery Materials] Standard Lithium Ltd. announced that, as part of its collaboration with Telescope Innovations, it has successfully produced battery-grade lithium sulfide. As previously mentioned, Standard Lithium has been working with its R&D partner, Telescope Innovations, to develop new and innovative conversion technologies for manufacturing next-generation battery materials. This new conversion process has now been successfully applied to convert lithium hydroxide, produced by Standard Lithium at its demonstration plant in southern Arkansas, into battery-grade lithium sulfide (Li(2)S). Samples of lithium sulfide have been shipped to solid-state battery companies in Asia and North America for ongoing testing and validation purposes. Lithium sulfide is a critical raw material required for many next-generation solid-state battery chemistries. However, despite its importance in next-generation battery technologies, lithium sulfide can only be produced commercially in very small quantities and at very high costs. The technological collaboration between the two teams has resulted in a novel, low-temperature, patented process with the following advantages: Raw material flexibility – Both lithium hydroxide and lithium carbonate are viable raw materials; Impurity tolerance – Allows the use of technical-grade raw materials; Lower processing temperature (<100 °C) – Reduces equipment complexity and operating costs; and Enhanced manufacturing safety – Avoids high-temperature conditions and associated thermal risks. Source: juniorminingnetwork.com [Bolivian Court Suspends Sino-Russian Lithium Deal] It has been reported that Bolivia's plans to become a major lithium producer have hit a snag after a local court ordered the suspension of two major mining deals worth over $2 billion signed last year. These contracts were signed in 2023 and 2024 with China's CBC consortium (which includes battery manufacturer CATL) and Uranium One Group, a subsidiary of Russia's state nuclear corporation Rosatom, respectively. The deals were aimed at establishing direct lithium extraction (DLE) facilities at the Salar de Uyuni in southwestern Bolivia. This salt flat, which holds one of the world's largest lithium reserves, is part of a larger lithium triangle shared with Chile and Argentina. Last week, a mixed court in the village of Colcha K, located in the Potosí region, issued the suspension order following legal complaints from indigenous groups who argued that the projects violated their environmental rights and were allowed to proceed without formal consultation. Neither project has yet received legislative approval, but preliminary activities have already commenced on-site, which local groups claim were carried out without proper authorization or environmental assessments. Bolivia's state-owned lithium company, Yacimientos de Litio Bolivianos (YLB), holds a 51% stake in both enterprises. Omar Alarcon, the head of YLB, stated at a press conference last year that the proposed plant is expected to produce 35,000 mt of lithium carbonate annually. According to the Argentine newspaper Infobae , the court ruling will prohibit YLB and the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Energy from taking any administrative or operational steps related to the contract until the judicial process is concluded. However, the Bolivian government insists that it has not yet officially received notification of the court ruling and maintains that the legislative process surrounding the contract will continue until official notification is received. Source: mining.com [Gabon Plans to Ban Manganese Ore Exports, Leading to a Decline in Eramet's Share Price] Eramet's shares plummeted on Monday after Gabon announced a ban on the export of unrefined manganese starting from 2029, which could disrupt the production of large-scale export-oriented steel raw materials by the French mining group in this West African country. The Gabon government announced the plan in a statement over the weekend, which comes as several African countries—including Guinea , with bauxite, Zimbabwe , with lithium, as well as Mali and Tanzania—are seeking to shift from raw material exports to local processing. Global demand for manganese, used in steel production and increasingly in EV batteries, has been growing. Eramet is the majority shareholder of Comilog, a Gabon-based manganese mining company whose Moanda mine is the largest in the world. In a statement, Eramet said it had taken note of the Gabon government's intention to ban the export of crude manganese starting from January 1, 2029, and would continue to cooperate with the authorities "in a spirit of constructive partnership and mutual respect." The group added that it is committed to safeguarding the 10,460 Gabon jobs maintained by Comilog and Setrag, Comilog's railway transport unit. Eramet's share price fell nearly 5.5% before recovering, ending the day down about 4% as of 0800 GMT. President Brice Oligui Nguema , who overthrew former President Ali Bongo in a coup in 2023 and was elected last month, is seeking to revive Gabon's beleaguered economy . This West African oil-exporting country holds some of the world's richest manganese deposits, primarily operated by Comilog and Chinese companies that export to China, Europe, and the US. Comilog, in which Gabon holds a minority stake, processes some manganese locally but primarily exports ore. In recent years, the Moanda mine and the Weda Bay nickel mine in Indonesia have driven Eramet's growth, while its historical nickel mining operations in New Caledonia have dried up due to losses and social unrest. In Indonesia, where nickel ore exports were previously banned to develop the local industry, Eramet signed a memorandum of understanding with sovereign fund Danatama last week to explore potential investments in nickel processing. Source: reuters.com [Rio Tinto revises costs for Serbian lithium project] Chad Blewitt, Managing Director of Rio Tinto's Jadar lithium mine, said on Wednesday that the company is revising the costs for its Serbian lithium project, which has been identified by the European Commission as one of 13 strategic new critical raw materials projects . The project has been questioned by environmental groups and many Serbs on environmental grounds and sparked massive street protests in 2022, leading to the government revoking all of Rio Tinto's exploration licenses. The Constitutional Court overturned this decision last year and restored the licenses. Rio Tinto is the only major mining company betting on lithium (used in EV batteries), accelerating its development pace through three new deals in the past six months: acquiring US-based Arcadium Lithium for $6.7 billion and two projects in Chile for over $1 billion. The lithium market has slumped as a wave of new supply overwhelms weaker-than-expected demand for EV batteries. While demand forecasts for the metal are more optimistic over the next decade, it will take years to know whether this bet will pay off. If implemented, Rio Tinto's Jadar project could meet 90% of Europe's current lithium demand. But protesters in Serbia have threatened to block highways and railways if the project proceeds. "Whatever happens next will involve multiple stages of review and public consultation," Blewitt said. "It (the project) will place Serbia at the forefront of the green and digital revolution." Source: reuters.com

In recent years, the significant fluctuations in lithium prices have subjected enterprises across the industry chain to a rollercoaster of experiences, encompassing both the highs and lows of the market.

In recent years, the significant fluctuations in lithium prices have subjected enterprises across the industry chain to a rollercoaster of experiences. Although lithium prices are no longer as high as they once were, the development prospects of the new energy industry chain remain bright amid the global push for a low-carbon economy, with the importance of lithium resources becoming increasingly prominent. As one of the regions with the most abundant lithium resources globally, South America, particularly the "Lithium Triangle" (comprising Bolivia, Argentina, and Chile), holds over 55% of the world's proven lithium resources. Consequently, South America's lithium resources play a pivotal role in the global energy transition. Against this backdrop, SMM organized the 2025 SMM South American Lithium Resources Field Trip . Led by Siyu Chen, the project manager for SMM's overseas South American lithium resources field trips, and Zhicheng Zhou, a senior analyst in new energy and lithium batteries, the delegation visited lithium-related enterprises in South America from May 15 to May 26, 2025. They toured local lithium ore and material enterprises, held discussions with company executives, and explored potential opportunities in lithium ore resource development, technological exchanges, and investment cooperation. On May 19, SMM and the delegation members headed to Lake Resources for in-depth exchanges. Company Profile SMM and the delegation members visited Lake Resources . The company's CEO, David Dickson, and Marketing Manager, Bárbara Cozzi, warmly received the delegation and provided a detailed introduction to the company's business development. Lake Resources NL (ASX: LKE; OTC: LLKKF) is a responsible lithium developer that utilizes state-of-the-art ion exchange extraction technology to produce sustainable, high-purity lithium from its flagship Kachi project, located in the Catamarca Province of Argentina's Lithium Triangle region. Lake also has an early-stage project in the region, namely the Ancasti or Catamarca pegmatite lithium project. The company is confident in the long-term (post-2030) fundamentals of the lithium industry. The Kachi project produces battery-grade lithium carbonate (>99.5% purity). According to available data, the project boasts a total of 11.1 million tonnes (Mt) of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE), including 8.2 Mt of measured and indicated resources, 0.6 Mt of ore reserves, and 2.9 Mt of inferred resources. The project has a mine life of 25 years. In terms of project construction progress, the Kachi Phase I project is designed to have a production capacity of 25,000 mt of lithium carbonate. It is anticipated that a second plant may be constructed in the future, adding an additional 25,000 mt/year of lithium carbonate production capacity, with further expansions possible depending on market conditions. When discussing the outlook for the future lithium market, Lake Resources stated that the current lithium spot price is unsustainable: it has fallen below $10,000 per tonne—at this spot price, the economics of most lithium-related projects are poor. Additionally, there is ongoing uncertainty regarding long-term lithium prices, with market opinions on future price developments ranging widely, from $15,000/mt to $27,000/mt. Some market forecasts now predict that the global lithium supply deficit will begin in 2029, earlier than the previously forecasted 2030. Argentina and direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology may drive the next wave of growth in lithium production. It is expected that lithium demand will roughly double over the next five years. According to Goldman Sachs' forecast, the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of lithium demand will reach approximately 17% from 2025 to 2030. It is anticipated that the lithium market will experience oversupply in the next four to five years, with a supply deficit likely to emerge between 2029 and 2030. Group photo during the field trip After the visit, SMM and the field trip members took a group photo together with Lake Resources, aiming to strengthen their cooperation and friendship. It is believed that there will be deeper exchanges and cooperation in the future! Through this field trip and survey, SMM and the field trip members gained a deeper understanding of Lake Resources' development, as well as a more profound knowledge of the market status, development trends, and existing issues in the South American lithium battery industry. They will continue to deepen cooperation with major enterprises to achieve complementary advantages and promote the development of the lithium battery industry.

Chinese carmaker BYD and metals giant Tsingshan have abandoned plans to build lithium processing plants in Chile, local newspaper Diario Financiero reported on Wednesday.

[KoBold, Backed by Gates and Bezos, to Acquire Stake in Congo Lithium Project] KoBold Metals, a mining startup backed by Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos, is expanding its footprint in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) after reaching a framework agreement with AVZ Minerals to acquire its stake in the Manono lithium mine. The agreement aims to resolve a long-standing ownership dispute and develop one of the world's largest hard-rock lithium deposits, a key component in EV batteries. The Manono project, located in southeastern DRC, has been mired in legal disputes since 2023, when the Congolese government revoked AVZ's mining rights and subsequently awarded a portion of the deposit to China's Zijin Mining. KoBold's proposed acquisition includes a framework for AVZ to receive appropriate compensation for relinquishing its interests, enabling KoBold to develop the southern part of the deposit while Zijin Mining retains control of the northern region. The company said the deal would allow KoBold to invest $1 billion in developing the project and bring its lithium resources to Western markets. This strategic move aligns with the US government's efforts to secure critical mineral supplies and reduce reliance on mineral sources controlled by China. US Senior Advisor for Africa Judd Devermont recently met with DRC President Félix Tshisekedi to discuss strengthening bilateral relations and promoting US investment in the country's mining sector. In February this year, the DRC offered the US exclusive access to critical minerals and infrastructure projects in exchange for security assistance, as its eastern region faces insurgencies backed by neighboring Rwanda. The Manono deposit is estimated to hold 669 million mt of lithium resources, making it a crucial asset in the global transition to clean energy. The acquisition, pending the signing of a final agreement and regulatory approvals, is expected to expedite the development of this critical resource while also benefiting the economic interests of the US and the DRC. KoBold, which focuses on using artificial intelligence to identify undeveloped critical mineral deposits, has approximately 60 active projects across four continents. In Africa, its primary focus is on Zambia, where the company discovered the largest copper deposit in a century last year. Entering the DRC means the company will have operations in two of Africa's largest copper-producing countries. Neither KoBold nor AVZ has disclosed the financial terms of the agreement.The completion of the deal depends on resolving ongoing legal disputes and obtaining necessary approvals from relevant authorities. Source: mining.com 【BYD and Tsingshan Holding Abandon Plans to Build Lithium Plant in Chile】 According to a report by local newspaper Diario Financiero on Wednesday, Chinese automaker BYD and metals giant Tsingshan Holding have abandoned plans to build a lithium processing plant in Chile. BYD has submitted a withdrawal notice to the Ministry of National Assets. Tsingshan Holding informed Corfo, Chile's Economic Development Agency, through its subsidiary Yongqing Technology that it would no longer proceed with its lithium battery project. Corfo confirmed the withdrawal and noted that Tsingshan Holding had not yet been officially registered in Chile. In 2023, Corfo had selected these two companies as strategic investors to develop value-added lithium products, such as cathode materials and batteries. The agreement included obtaining lithium carbonate at preferential prices and with guaranteed supply from SQM (Chile's state-owned partner and the world's second-largest lithium producer) until 2030. In exchange, the two companies committed to investing a total of US$523 million in Chile and creating nearly 1,200 jobs. The collapse in lithium prices, global market instability, and delays in bureaucratic procedures derailed both projects before the contracts could be finalized. BYD was the first to raise concerns. Diario Financiero reported that a year ago, the company had pointed out delays in acquiring land for its US$290 million cathode material plant project in Antofagasta, which was originally planned to produce 50,000 mt of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) annually. The plant was intended to produce cathodes, the most expensive component in EV battery cells. Corfo acknowledged the company's concerns and stated that BYD had requested further information to reassess its plans. BYD, known for producing affordable EVs and having in-house manufacturing capabilities, had originally planned to anchor its LFP cathode material production in northern Chile. Tsingshan Holding, as one of China's largest privately-owned conglomerates, had originally planned to invest US$233 million to build a battery plant in Mejillones, north of Antofagasta. Both projects have now been officially shelved. Chile's current lithium strategy, launched by President Gabriel Boric in 2023, requires companies like Albemarle (NYSE: ALB) and SQM (NYSE: SQM) to allocate a portion of their production at preferential prices to companies willing to invest in local lithium-based technologies. Despite the setback of BYD and Tsingshan Holding's withdrawal, Chile remains a core player in the global lithium market, with production second only to Australia. Source: mining.com [Lake Resources Initiates Strategic Review of Argentine Lithium Project] Australia's Lake Resources announced on Wednesday that it has initiated a strategic review of its flagship Kachi lithium project in Argentina, stating that despite the surge in long-term demand for battery metals, the project's assets remain significantly undervalued. The review aims to explore various options, including selling a stake in the project and the potential sale or merger of the lithium developer. According to the company, the Kachi lithium brine project is the largest independent project in the "Lithium Triangle" region of South America, with total resources exceeding 10.6 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE). Lake Resources stated that the decision to explore strategic alternatives is also supported by recent cases where companies with lithium projects in Argentina have received proposals that far exceed their current market capitalizations. Source: mining.com [Peloton Minerals Obtains Drilling Permits for North Elko Lithium Project in Nevada] On May 6, 2025, Peloton has obtained two drilling permits from the US Bureau of Land Management (BLM) within the boundaries of the North Elko Lithium Project (NELP) in northeastern Nevada, covering 442 mining claims, 37 square kilometers, or 14.25 square miles. Under these permits, a total of 24 drill pads have been approved, with the possibility of adding more drill pads with BLM approval. One drilling permit covers the eastern region of NELP, and the second permit covers the central and western regions. The maximum disturbance area for each drilling permit is limited to 5 acres (totaling 10 acres). According to the BLM's calculation formula, the total disturbance area for the current drilling plan and drill pads between the two permits is 5.12 acres. In early 2023, the relevant mineral exploration company announced the discovery of significant clay lithium resources in an area adjacent to the NELP mining claims it has held since 2018. Since the discovery, the company has reported an inferred resource of 11.24 million tonnes of LCE, with a grade of 3,010 ppm Li, considered the highest-grade lithium clay resource in North America. NELP is currently in the drilling phase, following surface exploration work conducted by Peloton, including airborne hyperspectral imaging, soil geochemical surveys across the entire mining area, geological mapping, prospecting and sampling, X-ray diffraction analysis of over 500 surface samples, and tTEM surface geophysical surveys. The results of each phase are summarized below: Hyperspectral imaging data shows that lithium-bearing clay layers frequently outcrop at the surface across almost the entire mining area. Soil geochemical analysis indicates elevated lithium anomalies (up to 18 times the background value), covering an area exceeding 25 square kilometers or 9.65 square miles. Geological mapping indicates that NELP is located in an alkaline paleolake environment within a tectonic depression bounded by north-dipping normal faults. X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that NELP is situated within layered alkaline lake sediments and pyroclastic rocks. The mineralogical characteristics of the layered volcanic rocks are consistent with magma that could be a source of lithium. tTEM surface geophysical data show a clay-rich horizon beneath almost the entire {{ore}} property. Source: junior mining network

At the CLNB 2025 (10th) New Energy Industry Chain Expo - Battery Raw Materials Forum hosted by SMM Information & Technology Co., Ltd. (SMM), Martin Ma, China GM of the International Lithium Association, shared his insights on the topic of "Global Lithium Supply Chain and ESG - Opportunities and Challenges."

At the CLNB 2025 (10th) New Energy Industry Chain Expo - Battery Raw Materials Forum hosted by SMM Information & Technology Co., Ltd. (SMM), Patrick Le Mare, Global Industry Leader of Technical Materials and Circular Economy at Alfred H Knight, shared insights on the topic of "Lithium Sampling and Analysis for International Trade Flows."