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Lithium

Lithium is a soft, silvery-white alkali metal that has become a critical commodity in the global transition to clean energy and electric mobility. It is the lightest metal and the least dense solid element, with unique electrochemical properties that make it essential for rechargeable battery technology. The metal is primarily extracted from two sources: hard-rock mineral deposits, particularly spodumene, and lithium-rich brine deposits found in salt flats and desert basins. Major producing regions include the lithium triangle of South America, encompassing Chile, Argentina and Bolivia, as well as Australia, which dominates hard-rock production, and China, which controls much of the refining capacity. Lithium's primary application is in lithium-ion batteries, which power electric vehicles, consumer electronics and grid-scale energy storage systems, driving exponential demand growth as countries pursue decarbonisation targets. The metal also finds use in ceramics, glass manufacturing, lubricating greases, pharmaceuticals and metallurgy. Pricing is volatile and influenced by supply constraints, technological advances in extraction and processing, and the pace of electric vehicle adoption globally. Extraction methods are evolving, with direct lithium extraction technologies emerging as alternatives to traditional evaporation ponds, which are water-intensive and slow. Environmental and social concerns around water use, land rights and ecological impact in extraction zones have intensified scrutiny of the industry. Lithium's strategic importance has prompted governments to classify it as a critical mineral, spurring investment in domestic supply chains and processing infrastructure.

Lithium News


Zenith's Earaheedy project area
Forrestania extends takeover offer for Zenith shareholders one last time
Updated 4 hours ago By: Marleny Arnoldi

As an off-market takeover made by ASX-listed Forrestania Resources for fellow-listed Zenith Minerals extends for another few weeks to November 12, Forrestania has advised that it will not again... 


Pilgangoora lithium mine
Australia's PLS signs 20-year power pact with Fortescue unit for Pilgangoora mine
Updated 6 hours ago By: Reuters

Australia's PLS Group said on Wednesday it had signed a 20-year power purchase agreement with FMG Clean Energy, owned by iron-ore miner Fortescue, to meet rising power demand at its Pilgangoora... 


An image of an artist's impression of the planned Ewoyaa lithium project operation in Ghana
Atlantic Lithium completes novation agreement for Ghana project
26th October 2026 By: Tasneem Bulbulia

Aim- and ASX-listed Atlantic Lithium has announced the completion of the agreement between Elevra Lithium and Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt for the transfer of Elevra’s rights and interests in Atlantic... 


Tabba Tabba exploration
Wildcat DFS confirms potential for Australia's next large-scale lithium mine at Tabba Tabba
26th October 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

ASX-listed Wildcat Resources highlights in a definitive feasibility study (DFS) on the Tabba Tabba project its potential as Australia’s next large-scale lithium development project. The DFS, which... 


An openpit at the Bougouni mine
Kodal plans West Africa lithium expansion, CEO says
23rd October 2026 By: Reuters

Kodal Minerals aims to build a broader West African lithium portfolio beyond its Bougouni mine in Mali, drawing on nearly two decades of operating experience in the region, CE Bernard Aylward said.... 


Lithium ore
European Metals' Geomet opts for cheaper, cleaner tech choice for Cinovec lithium processing
23rd October 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

ASX- and Aim-listed European Metals' 49%-owned subsidiary Geomet has approved the adoption of tunnel kiln technology for the Cinovec lithium project, in Czech Republic. Geomet originally planned... 


E3 lithium carbonate product
Canada's E3 nears last phase of demo facility as it builds towards commercial-scale FID
22nd October 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

Toronto- and Frankfurt-listed E3 Lithium is nearing the completion of Phase 2 of its demonstration facility, in Mountain View County, Alberta, which serves as an important engineering milestone... 


Lithium brines
At least $100bn of investment for 134 new lithium mines is needed for 2050 demand
22nd October 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

To meet 2050 lithium demand, the equivalent of 134 new lithium mines will be needed, says supply chain researcher Benchmark Mineral Intelligence. This equates to a new mine every two months for the... 


Lithium project
African Critical Elements acquires Lepidico Canada, Namibian lithium asset
22nd October 2026 By: Lumkile Nkomfe

Mining exploration company African Critical Elements (ACE) has completed the full acquisition of mineral developer Lepidico Canada, obtaining 100% of the equity in the company and 100% of Lepidico... 


Albemarle lithium operation in Chile
Chile plans five new lithium tenders in push to double output
21st October 2026 By: Reuters

Chile plans to issue tenders for five more lithium projects next year as part of a drive to more than double output of the battery metal within a decade, Mining Minister Daniel Mas told Reuters.... 


Uis tin mine
Namibia tin producer’s gross profit up fourfold on 80% revenue surge
21st October 2026 By: Martin Creamer

Namibia tin producer Andrada Mining on Wednesday, October 21, reported a quadrupled-plus gross profit and an 80% revenue surge. Supporting this high performance in the six months ended August 31... 


Lithium ore
Lithium Africa receives sizable funding offers for Northern Cape project
20th October 2026 By: Lumkile Nkomfe

TSX-V-listed Lithium Africa has received two nonbinding offers from entities to finance the development of its Springbok lithium project, in the Northern Cape. The offers include a prepayment... 


Lithium ore
Australia's Lithium Plus outlines simple, quick returns lithium operation for Bynoe
20th October 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

ASX-listed Lithium Plus Minerals has outlined a rapid development pathway and high returns for the Bynoe lithium project, in Australia's Northern Territory. The company finds in a scoping study... 


Kodal CEO Bernard Aylward
Kodal to explore Ghana lithium project
19th October 2026 By: Sabrina Jardim

Aim-listed Kodal Minerals has entered into a binding agreement with Ghanaian mining consultancy GH Geo-Consult Limited (GGCL) in relation to the Asamankese lithium project, in Ghana. Under the... 


Pilgangoora lithium mine
Australia's PLS greenlights $1.3bn expansion to lift Pilgangoora lithium output
16th October 2026 By: Reuters

Australia's PLS Group approved an A$1.9-billion ($1.31-billion) expansion of its Pilgangoora lithium mine on Friday, betting that growing electric-vehicle adoption will support long-term demand for... 


Image of periodic table symbol for lithium
Green River lithium project direct lithium extraction demonstration facility, US
16th October 2026 By: Sheila Barradas

Anson Resources' demonstration facility is intended to support the broader development of the Green River project, which it is advancing as a direct lithium extraction-based operation. 


An image of a critical mineral ore
Critical minerals present new opportunities for increased manufacturing
16th October 2026

With the global race for critical minerals entering a new phase, the next opportunity will be turning resources into processing, manufacturing and long-term growth. In addition to critical mineral... 


When mining becomes strategic: are critical minerals testing investor-state arbitration?
When mining becomes strategic: are critical minerals testing investor-state arbitration?
15th October 2026

By: Daniel Wilmot -  Partner at Stewarts specialising in international commercial and investor-state arbitration As critical minerals become geopolitically strategic, resulting disputes become... 


An image of WMI director Professor Dr Pontsho Twala
WMI seminar explores challenges to sustainably grasping opportunity-rich mining future
14th October 2026 By: Tasneem Bulbulia

The Wits Mining Institute (WMI) held its annual industry seminar on October 8, titled “From legacy to leadership: shaping sustainable mining futures”. Industry leaders explored the key challenges... 


Rio Tinto's Lac Tio ilmenite mine
Rio Tinto on track to release $5bn in capital after stronger Q3 iron-ore sales
14th October 2026 By: Reuters

Diversified miner Rio Tinto said on Wednesday it was on track to release about $5-billion in capital by the end of 2026, after strong mine performance helped lift third-quarter iron-ore sales from... 


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pqt: 0.207s - ct: 0.255s - 275pq - 2rq
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