Industrial minerals

The latest merger of rare earth producers in China shows that balance of power in this critical material sector is nowhere near where western governments would like it to be

Lithium prices in China rallied further in the week to Thursday August 19, with optimism over demand for lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries continuing to boost sentiment.

Under pressure to meet rapidly growing demand from EVs and energy storage, the transformation of the lithium supply chain is speeding up.

The global battery-grade lithium complex was steady over the week ended Thursday July 1, with market participants broadly optimistic about lithium hydroxide price momentum and citing tight feedstock availability.

Persistent tight supply continues to underpin lithium prices in Asia, as well as in Europe and the United States over the week ended Thursday June 24.

The global lithium hydroxide complex extended its firm tone over the week ended Thursday June 17 against a backdrop of persistent supply constraints and optimism for growing demand.