Lithium mines that have cutback output due to low prices
Dec 10 (Reuters) – Some mines that produce lithium, used in electric vehicle batteries, have curtailed operations or delayed expansions after a 90% drop in prices over the last two years.
Other loss-making mines have maintained production, largely because they have the support of Chinese battery-makers that can increase their profits when the raw materials in their supply chains are cheaper.
Below are details of mines that have temporarily halted operations or postponed expansions. Consultancy CRU said the total impact would be 100,000 metric tons less output this year and 228,000 tons in 2025.
MINERAL RESOURCES (MIN.AX), In November, the company said it would put its Bald Hill mine in Western Australia under care and maintenance. It left its other two jointly-owned mines in operation at lower levels.
LIONTOWN RESOURCES (LTR.AX), In November, the company trimmed production plans for its new Kathleen Valley lithium mine during its ramp-up.
PILBARA MINERALS (PLS.AX), The company said in October it would put one of its two processing plants in care and maintenance at the beginning of December, trimming output by the company.
ARCADIUM (ALTM.N), In September, the company said it put its Mt. Cattlin mine, in Western Australia in care and maintenance by the end of the first half of 2025. In August, it also announced a delay to expansion plans at its Feniz operation in Argentina and said it would pause development of its Galaxy project in Canada.
In October, Rio Tinto (RIO.AX), (RIO.L), agreed to buy Arcadium for $6.7 billion.
CATL (300750.SZ), Chinese battery giant CATL said in September it would adjust lithium production at its Jianxiawo mine. It did not say how much output would be affected, but UBS estimated it would be 15,000 tons for about three months.
ARGOSY MINERALS (AGY.AX). In July, the company suspended operations. at a lithium carbonate production facility at its Rincon project in Argentina.
IGO (IGO.AX), The company in January trimmed its 2024 production forecast for its Greenbushes mine by 7%.
CORE LITHIUM (CXO.AX), In January, the company suspended operations at its Finniss project in Australia’s Northern Territory.
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Lithium mines that have cutback output due to low prices, source
