Germany backs domestic lithium mining, but refining is key

[CMJ's daily digest - October 21, 2025] Lithium - Albemarle announces plans to invest $1 billion in lithium extraction operations in South America, aiming for a 50% boost in production by 2027. This is a strategic move; expect industry ripple effects as competition heightens. - The lithium carbonate price in China has seen a 15% drop this week. Supply chain disruptions due to new regulations appear to be the culprit, raising questions about sustainable pricing and who will blink first in the bidding wars. Rare Earths - U.S. Senate introduces a bill aimed at boosting rare earth mineral production. The legislation could direct $500 million in grants for processing plants, a lifesaver for domestic manufacturers and a crucial step toward supply chain independence. - China continues to flex its muscles, announcing export quotas on rare earths for 2026. This sends a stark message about reliance on non-Chinese sources and enforces the urgency for diversification. Copper - The global copper market is buzzing as Chile reports copper output surged by 8% in Q3, countering fears of stagnation. This could help stabilize global prices, much to the relief of renewable energy projects waiting in the wings. - A new study indicates that copper demand will double by 2030, driven by the energy transition. If you’re not investing in copper stocks, you might want to reconsider your strategy. Policy - The EU unveils its Critical Minerals Strategy ahead of COP26, emphasizing the need for sustainable mining practices. Here’s hoping they actually follow through this time; otherwise, it's just more paperwork. Stay ahead with the Critical Minerals Journal — where insight meets impact – https://lnkd.in/dB6uikPf #CriticalMinerals #EnergyTransition #Sustainability

[CMJ's daily digest - September 30, 2025] - Lithium: Global suppliers are confronting a massive downturn as lithium prices plummet to an average of $16,500 per ton, down nearly 40% from mid-2024. The frenzy of demand may be facing an adjustment period, as too many players chased the same elusive growth. - Rare Earths: The United States is moving closer to finalizing a $200 million investment into rare earth processing plants aimed at reducing dependency on China. With the U.S. currently importing 80% of its rare earth elements, this could be a seismic shift towards self-sufficiency. - Policy: A new bipartisan bill has been proposed in Congress aiming to expedite permitting for critical mineral projects on federal lands. This could significantly reduce the timeline from exploration to production, addressing bottlenecks that have slowed U.S. mineral development for decades. - Supply Chain: Japan has initiated talks with Australia to secure long-term contracts for nickel supply amid concerns over production constraints. Both countries recognize the necessity of stable supply as renewable energy mandates ramp up globally. These developments highlight an urgent recalibration in how we approach the production and supply of critical minerals. The nadir of lithium prices could either signal a market correction or an overzealous bubble bursting, while U.S. initiatives on rare earths could set the stage for a more secure domestic framework. It's a watch-and-wait game, but one thing is sure: our future hinges on these elements. Stay ahead with the Critical Minerals Journal — where insight meets impact – https://lnkd.in/dB6uikPf #CriticalMinerals #EnergyTransition #SupplyChain

[CMJ's daily digest - October 08, 2025] Lithium - A new report from Benchmark Mineral Intelligence reveals that lithium prices have surged by 15% in Q3 2025, driven by a 30% increase in electric vehicle (EV) demand. Good luck finding a charger at this rate! - Albemarle has expanded its lithium production capacity in Yinhe, China by 25%, aiming to meet the surging global demand. Hope they can keep up! Rare Earths - U.S. Department of Defense has announced a $200 million fund for rare earths processing to reduce reliance on Chinese imports. A little late to the party, don’t you think? - Lynas Rare Earths reported a significant production increase of 20% in Q3 2025, signaling robust global demand. Watch out, competition—these guys mean business. Copper - The International Copper Study Group predicts a 10% increase in copper prices through 2026, largely spurred by renewable energy projects. Let's hope it doesn’t just drive up those solar panel costs. - Freeport-McMoRan has halted operations at its flagship Grasberg mine due to labor disputes, potentially impacting global supply. Because why not add some drama to an already volatile market? Policy - The European Union is finalizing a strategy to cut critical mineral dependency by 40% by 2030, pushing for local exploration and recycling. Good intentions — let’s see if they can walk the talk. The race for critical minerals heats up as the energy transition intensifies. Companies that adapt quickly will emerge victorious while others may find themselves stuck in a mine of their own making. Stay ahead with the Critical Minerals Journal — where insight meets impact – https://lnkd.in/dB6uikPf #CriticalMinerals #EnergyTransition #Sustainability

[CMJ's daily digest - October 12, 2025] Lithium - Major production expansion in Australia with Company A announcing a 30% increase in output capacity by 2026, driven by soaring global demand. This is happening at a time when lithium prices are showing signs of stabilization, currently averaging $30,000 per ton. - Meanwhile, the U.S. lithium market faces scrutiny as Company B's new project delays could impact local battery supply chains, adding pressure to the EV sector that was already experiencing a backlog. Rare Earths - In a competitive twist, China recently revealed plans to increase its rare earth exports by 50% next quarter, potentially disrupting market dynamics. This move could push global prices lower but may also raise geopolitical tensions as nations scramble for strategic stockpiles. - The U.S. Department of Defense awarded $20 million to Company C to enhance domestic rare earth processing, signifying a significant pivot towards self-reliance in national security industries. Supply Chain - Reports indicate that logistics bottlenecks persist in key global ports, delaying mining shipments. This is particularly true in Europe, where inefficient port operations have slowed transition timelines, dragging down potential renewable energy projects. - California's recent policy outline for critical mineral sourcing aims to streamline regulations, which could either alleviate or complicate the already fragmented supply chain in North America. It’s clear: critical minerals are the bedrock of the energy transition. The stakes are high, and every headline indicates a race against time. Stay ahead with the Critical Minerals Journal — where insight meets impact – https://lnkd.in/dB6uikPf #CriticalMinerals #EnergyTransition #MarketTrends

China's approval of CATL's Jianxiawo lithium mine reserves signals a pivotal shift in the global lithium landscape. This regulatory green light eases industry concerns about supply disruptions at a critical time when overcapacity issues face increased government scrutiny. Key developments to understand: CATL (world's largest EV battery maker) had operations suspended since August 2025. Reserve approval doesn't guarantee immediate restart but removes a significant obstacle. Eight producers in Yichun were required to submit detailed reserve reports by September 30. Market implications are substantial: Price volatility closely tracked announcements about operational status. Battery manufacturers implemented inventory adjustments and supplier diversification. China's approach balances development needs with strategic resource conservation. The contrast with Gotion High-Tech is telling. They maintained continuous production throughout the review period, securing comprehensive approvals for reserves, mining design, and ecological restoration. This regulatory process reveals China's evolving strategy: prioritizing sustainable growth over unfettered expansion while maintaining dominance in the global battery supply chain. What does this tell us about China's long-term vision for critical minerals management? Explore the full analysis of how these approvals reshape global lithium market projections through 2026: https://lnkd.in/gP8D47yM #Lithium #CATL #China #GlobalMarket

[CMJ's daily digest - October 04, 2025] The world of critical minerals is buzzing today, and here’s why. Lithium: - Albemarle announces a record-breaking lithium production of 2.3 million tons (up 15% from last quarter). This surge highlights lithium's pivotal role in electric vehicle batteries and energy storage systems. The scramble for lithium investment is not slowing down. - China takes the lead again, ramping up lithium hydroxide exports by 20% in response to global EV demand. Will they sustain this advantage, or will others catch up? Rare Earths: - A new study reveals that the U.S. could reduce its rare earths dependence on China by 35% through domestic extraction in the next two years. The political implications? Critical! - Lynas, Australia’s largest rare earths producer, announced significant investments in a new processing facility in Texas, potentially reclaiming a slice of the U.S. market. Policy: - The Biden administration is rolling out new policies for critical minerals, aiming to incentivize domestic production and create a more resilient supply chain. Coupled with discussions in Congress about funding for green tech, this could redefine the U.S. landscape. - The EU’s recent regulatory framework aims for carbon neutrality by 2050, and with regulatory pressure like that, the demand for critical minerals is skyrocketing. In summary, today’s highlight reel shows that the race for critical minerals is becoming a high-stakes game, with allies and rivals constantly shifting. The implications for policy, supply chains, and future technologies are profound. Stay ahead with the Critical Minerals Journal — where insight meets impact – https://lnkd.in/dB6uikPf #CriticalMinerals #EnergyTransition #Lithium

Graphite, a seemingly mundane mineral, is emerging as a pivotal resource in the global transition to clean energy and advanced technologies. With demand projected to surge by 500% by 2050, this critical material is at the center of a strategic geopolitical challenge. Currently, China dominates nearly 95% of the world's spherical graphite supply, creating significant vulnerabilities for the United States, Canada, Europe, Japan, and Australia. This concentration raises serious concerns about potential supply disruptions, pricing volatility, and opaque production practices. Nouveau Monde Graphite (NMG) is positioning itself as a transformative player in this landscape. The Canadian company aims to become North America's first fully integrated, carbon-neutral natural graphite producer. Their strategy involves developing a comprehensive supply chain to support emerging technologies from electric vehicles to defense systems. With demonstration-scale operations already running, NMG has secured strategic investments and critical permits for its Matawinie Mine and Becancour Battery Material Plant. The upcoming U.S. Department of Commerce tariffs - potentially reaching 160% on Chinese graphite materials - further strengthen NMG's competitive position. As governments worldwide seek to diversify and localize critical mineral supply chains, companies like NMG represent more than a business opportunity. They are emerging as key players in national economic and technological security strategies.

[CMJ's daily digest - October 18, 2025] Lithium: - A new report reveals that global lithium demand is predicted to surpass 3 million tons by 2030, driven by EV production and battery storage technologies. Time for lithium producers to sharpen their pencils and ramp up supply—fast! Rare Earths: - The U.S. Department of Defense has awarded a $25 million grant to a domestic rare earths miner to strengthen national supply chains. Let’s hope this funding doesn’t end up buried under red tape. We could use more than just “made in America” stickers on our tech. Copper: - Copper prices surged past $10,000 per ton, primarily due to increased industrial activity in China and looming supply disruptions from South American mines. A reminder that copper is not just a big player; it’s the heavyweight champion of the critical minerals ring. Policy: - The European Union is pushing to finalize the Critical Raw Materials Act, aiming to ensure a steady supply of critical minerals for clean technologies. If old-world regulators can keep up with fast-paced innovation, we might just survive this energy transition. Supply Chain: - A new study highlights that 30% of the world’s mineral processing capacity is concentrated in China. As the rest of the world clutches its pearls over reliance, they might want to consider decentralized options ASAP. With the stakes rising and the clock ticking, today’s highlights show that the energy transition won't wait for anyone. Stay ahead with the Critical Minerals Journal — where insight meets impact – https://lnkd.in/dB6uikPf #CriticalMinerals #EnergyTransition #Sustainability

Critical minerals are driving the largest raw material demand surge in modern industrial history 📈 The International Energy Agency projects staggering growth by 2040: Lithium demand: 42-fold increase; Graphite demand: 25-fold increase; Cobalt demand: 21-fold increase; Nickel demand: 19-fold increase. But here's the critical challenge ⚠️ Supply chains remain dangerously concentrated: China controls 60% of lithium processing, Democratic Republic of Congo produces 70% of cobalt, and Australia dominates 52% of lithium production. The scale is unprecedented. A single electric vehicle battery requires 8kg of lithium, 35kg of nickel, and 14kg of cobalt. Wind farms need 9x more minerals than gas plants. New processing facilities take 5-10 years to develop. This creates strategic bottlenecks even when mining sources diversify. The gap between explosive demand growth and processing capacity represents both massive opportunity and significant risk. Policy responses are accelerating globally. The EU's €3 billion Raw Materials Alliance targets 10% domestic production by 2030. Australia's $2 billion Critical Minerals Facility focuses on value-added processing beyond raw exports. Recent G20 discussions confirmed these minerals will fundamentally drive energy transformation success. Enjoy this summary? Hit the 'like' button to let us know. Stay up to date with critical minerals by following this page. Read the complete analysis of supply vulnerabilities and investment opportunities: https://lnkd.in/g469XBW3 #EnergyTransformation #CriticalMinerals #Sustainability

[CMJ's daily digest - September 29, 2025] The critical minerals landscape shifts daily, and today is no exception. Here's what you need to know: **Lithium** - China’s Ganfeng Lithium reports a 20% increase in Q3 production, hitting 40,000 tons. Analysts cite strong EV demand and supply tightness as the driving forces. A head start for China in the lithium race could mean trouble for Western competitors. - Albemarle announces plans to expand production capabilities in Texas, eyeing a $500 million investment. With lithium prices still volatile, this move could stabilize their supply chain and secure strategic partnerships. **Rare Earths** - The U.S. initiates discussions with Australia and Canada to bolster rare earths supply chains. With China controlling over 60% of the global market, such partnerships are essential for national security. A strategic move or a desperate gamble? Time will tell. - A new report reveals that global demand for rare earth elements is projected to reach 300,000 tons by 2030, spurred by clean technology needs. If only we had an endless supply of good intentions. **Policy** - The EU releases guidelines aimed at reducing reliance on critical mineral imports from non-allied nations. This could reshape trade dynamics, but are we prepared for the stakeholder backlash? - In a move expected to shift investment trends, the UK government unveils a 10-year plan to support domestic production of strategic minerals. Will this bring jobs, or is it just a shiny distraction? Every update underscores the urgency of energy transition strategies and a formidable need for innovation. With the stakes so high, those who navigate this sector wisely stand to gain immensely. Stay ahead with the Critical Minerals Journal — where insight meets impact – https://lnkd.in/dB6uikPf #CriticalMinerals #EnergyTransition #Sustainability