Lithium

The US Defense Agency is seeking to purchase up to $300 million worth of lithium. The procurement aims to secure a strategic resource critical for defense applications.

SQM-Codelco Venture is working to increase lithium production in Chile's Atacama Desert. The venture focuses on a brine pool at a Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile (SQM) lithium mine located on the Atacama salt flat.

Codelco's minority stakes in other mining ventures are valued at $6.443 billion, with 86% concentrated in two entities: the NovaAndino lithium venture with SQM and a 29.5% stake in Anglo American Sur. The article suggests potential reasons for Codelco to sell some of these stakes.

Nigeria's lithium and copper reserves could play a key role in the clean energy transition by meeting demand for renewable energy technologies and retaining value within the country, according to a report.

Zimbabwe's policy of banning raw lithium exports and incentivizing local value addition has gained global support, according to Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube. The policy was well received by investors and policymakers at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in China.

Nigeria's lithium wealth may be contributing to violence and illegal exploitation as global demand for critical minerals rises. The article warns that bloodshed and displacement could become unintended consequences of Nigeria's resource extraction efforts.

Zimbabwe is processing lithium domestically for export after a Chinese-built plant shipped the continent's first lithium sulphate, supported by an export ban.

The Nigerian government announced the discovery of platinum, lithium, and rare earth deposits in Kaduna, which could strengthen the country's position in the global market for critical minerals used in clean energy and advanced manufacturing.

Chile's stock market declined as the peso weakened against the dollar, and lithium prices fell 5%. The IPSA index closed 1.21% lower, ending a three-day upward trend.

Argentina revised its Mining Investment Regime via Decree 482/2026, replacing 1993-era rules effective June 24. The new system streamlines imports by using a sworn declaration that automatically integrates with customs, eliminating prior authorization requirements.

Petrobras, Brazil's oil company, has partnered with the state development bank to research critical minerals like lithium, nickel, cobalt, copper, and rare earths. The move marks a shift into battery metals and materials essential for wind turbines and electronics.

USA Rare Earth is responding to a lawsuit from MP Materials as competition intensifies. The article mentions lithium mining in Brazil's Minas Gerais state, where the state aims to attract investors for its lithium resources to meet demand for electric-vehicle batteries.

Nevada is experiencing economic growth as workers move from California due to significant lithium reserves. The mineral's rising value is linked to increasing demand for artificial intelligence technology.

The US Department of Defense has significantly increased spending on critical minerals like lithium, neodymium, and boron for military applications over the past decade, with $621 million in grants allocated between 2015 and 2025. Indigenous communities report concerns about expedited mining projects on their lands without consultation or environmental safeguards, particularly citing the Graphite Creek Project in Alaska.

The article highlights increased demand for lithium and market optimism as China approaches a busy season, which could drive up prices and industry activity.

SQM, the Chilean lithium giant, is exploring for copper with a US partner to diversify operations as lithium prices remain weak and copper demand increases.

Chile is investing between $2 billion and $3.5 billion in the Salar Futuro lithium project through NovaAndino Litio. The company plans to submit the environmental study for the project to Chile’s regulator in the second half of June 2026. The investment is among the largest in the global lithium industry.

The article outlines investment opportunities in Chile for 2026, highlighting the iShares MSCI Chile ETF (ECH) with a 0.59% expense ratio, the IPSA index's 56% return in 2025 and record performance in 2026, and Chile's role as a major producer of copper and lithium.

Chile's IPSA fell 0.30% to 10,273 on June 5, remaining the region's most resilient index despite declines in copper and lithium prices and a weaker peso driven by a dollar bid.

Mozambique will take a 15% stake in domestic mining ventures and ban exports of non-processed minerals to prioritize local processing. The policy aligns with similar moves in other African nations, including DR Congo and Zimbabwe, to increase government control over critical minerals like graphite, gold, copper, titanium, and tantalum. Experts warn that smelting and refining could introduce volatility into the value chain.

Africa's trade with China reached $275 billion in 2024, with China importing critical minerals like chromium, manganese, and lithium essential for electric vehicles and clean energy. However, declining Chinese infrastructure loans and rising debt servicing costs, with some African nations spending over 40% of public revenue on repayments, create fiscal strain. China's recent removal of tariffs on most African nations contrasts with U.S. tariff increases.

Atana Elements, a US start-up, has acquired exploration licences in Germany and Poland to drill for lithium beneath Volkswagen and BMW battery factories. The initiative aligns with Europe's goal to reduce reliance on China for critical resources.

DR Congo added lithium, niobium, tantalum, tungsten, and uranium to a higher 10% royalty tax bracket to increase revenue from natural resources. The move follows similar strategies by other African nations, including Ghana's sliding-scale gold royalties and Zimbabwe's lithium export suspension.

Scientists developed a solar desalination system using laser-textured metal panels to convert seawater into drinking water without producing toxic brine. The system prevents clogging by moving salt deposits away, was tested in three oceans, and recovers nearly all salts as solids, including lithium for batteries.

Researchers have developed an energy-efficient process to extract lithium from rocks, which regenerates starting chemicals and produces sellable byproducts. Current lithium extraction relies heavily on brines in South America, but this new method could offer a more economically viable alternative.

Researchers developed a new lithium extraction method using weak acid to dissolve silicate minerals, offering a cheaper and more environmentally friendly alternative to current brine and hard-rock mining techniques. A startup, Rock Zero, aims to commercialize the process, which avoids dangerous chemicals like hydrofluoric acid and also recovers alumina and silica.

East Texas is highlighted as a potential key region for developing a critical lithium supply for the U.S. military. Benjamin MacLean conducted a lithium carbonate test at EnergyX's headquarters in Austin on May 21, 2026.

SQM, a Chilean chemical company, has increased its lithium production guidance as earnings exceeded estimates. The market for battery metal lithium is showing tentative recovery signs after a significant retracement last year.

SQM reported a significant rise in first-quarter profit and increased its annual lithium sales forecast. The company attributes this to strong demand from battery storage systems, which is driving a recovery in lithium prices.

European automotive suppliers may benefit from Chinese EV makers' expansion into Europe due to growing EV demand and local protectionist policies. Companies like BYD and Xpeng are targeting European markets, while Brussels implements measures to protect local manufacturing amid slower electrification.

China is repurposing coal waste, such as coal gangue and fly ash, to extract critical metals like lithium, gallium, and germanium. This approach utilizes advanced extraction technology and existing industrial infrastructure, offering a potential solution to metal scarcity and environmental issues from waste stockpiling.

Researchers have developed a new porous glass material that can trap CO2 and hydrogen by combining ancient glassmaking techniques with modern chemistry. By adding sodium and lithium compounds, the team made the material more processable and shapeable. This breakthrough has potential applications in clean energy, gas storage, and advanced manufacturing.

Australia's Core Lithium has restarted mining operations after a rebound in lithium prices. The company is expected to benefit from the increased demand for lithium. This development is likely to have a positive impact on Australia's mining industry.

Siomine is seeking $760 million in funding for lithium and copper projects in Africa, specifically for lithium sulfate production. The investment will support the development of African mineral resources. Siomine's move indicates growing interest in Africa's lithium and copper deposits.

Vulcan Energy discusses its business strategy and lithium. The company is focused on developing its lithium resources. Vulcan Energy is a key player in the energy sector.

A $65 billion lithium deposit has been discovered beneath America's oldest mountains, potentially providing enough energy to power the nation for centuries. The find could significantly boost domestic energy security and reduce reliance on foreign resources.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) estimates a lithium deposit in Appalachia could power 130 million electric vehicles, highlighting a significant domestic resource for clean energy transition.

Kalshi has partnered with Pyth to launch a new Commodities Hub, offering markets for gold, oil, and lithium. Pyth provides 24/7 pricing data by aggregating feeds from over 125 institutions, including exchanges and market makers.

Scientists discovered lithium in pyrite within ancient shale rocks, offering a potential new source for battery materials. This finding could reduce reliance on new mining by extracting lithium from existing waste.

Mining executives are accused of illegally seizing control of lithium claims in Brazil, sparking controversy over resource ownership. The dispute highlights tensions between corporate interests and national resource management.