News of lithium

US$10.6-billion lithium deal to create world’s number three producer

10-05-2023 13:43 Two lithium-producing firms active in Argentina announce merger; Allkem and Livent, which operate in Catamarca and Jujuy, launch new US$10.6-billion firm.

Eduardo Porter: LatAm’s new lithium bounty unearths old problem

08-05-2023 11:31 From Mexico to Chile, governments still haven’t cracked the code on how to leverage natural resources into sustained, broad-based prosperity.

Chile’s new lithium plan will scare off investors, says Canadian investor

25-04-2023 13:41 Chilean government’s plan to demand a controlling stake in all future lithium projects will deter investment and risks stalling the clean energy transition, says Canadian mining billionaire.

Chile’s Boric announces public-private model for tapping lithium reserves

21-04-2023 09:53 Chile’s government delivers long-awaited lithium development policy; State will partner with private firms to tap reserves says President Boric.

Argentina’s copper rush lures top power generator Central Puerto

07-03-2023 11:11 One of Argentina’s biggest power producers is trying to get in on the nation’s copper boom as the rush for key metals in the global energy transition accelerates.

South America steps up efforts to turn lithium into batteries

06-03-2023 14:22 Argentina, Chile, Bolivia and Brazil plan to coordinate action on turning more of the region’s mined lithium into battery chemicals, as well as moving into manufacturing of batteries and EVs.

Scholz visits South America in a race with China to get lithium

29-01-2023 10:37 Chancellor hoping his trip to Latin America this weekend will help Germany secure additional supplies of the lithium that German car giants need for their electric-vehicle batteries.

Lithium Americas poised to be Argentina's battery-metal ‘monster’ with arena deal

21-12-2022 17:01 Lithium Americas Corp is seeking to scoop up more Argentina assets as it looks to acquire a dominant position in the fastest-growing region for the battery metal.

Greening global economy brings dependence on critical minerals

27-10-2022 15:52 Experts worry that the global transition to clean energy is creating new dependencies on the critical minerals needed for solar panels, wind turbines and electric vehicle batteries.

Rio Tinto seeks pitches from bankers for lithium deals in battery metal foray

24-10-2022 12:58 Rio Tinto Group is asking for pitches from some of the biggest investment banks for lithium companies and projects it could buy as the mining giant looks to expand into the key battery metal.

Hunt for lithium sparks frantic rush into Argentina's mountains

24-05-2022 13:20 Looming shortage of lithium, key for electric vehicles, gives Argentina a chance to become a mining mecca.

Mexico seeks lithium ‘partnership’ with Argentina, Bolivia and Chile

03-05-2022 14:32 Mexico seeking alliance with Argentina, Bolivia and Chile to share experiences regarding exploitation of lithium, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador said Tuesday.

Chile awards two multi-million dollar lithium contracts

12-01-2022 21:58 Chile shunned two of the world's biggest lithium producers when awarding extraction contracts worth a total of US$121 million to a local firm and a Chinese company, the country's minerals ministry said Wednesday.

Rio Tinto buys US$825-million lithium project in battery push

21-12-2021 18:24 Rio Tinto Group agrees to buy a lithium mine in Argentina for US$825 million as the world’s second-biggest miner accelerates its push into battery materials. 

Argentina at crossroads over the future of its lithium sector

15-10-2021 16:56 Fernández administration wants to boost the state's role in lithium extraction and electromobility, but conflicts with local communities remain.

by Javier Lewkowicz, Diálogo Chino

YPF moves forward with lithium development

15-10-2021 16:38 YPF President Pablo González has confirmed that the state energy company will enter the local lithium market via a new subsidiary, the recently created YPF Litio SA.

Toyota-Panasonic battery venture slashes costs to take on China

21-07-2021 14:53 Materials alone make up 60 percent of the cost of an EV battery and about half of that comes from resources like lithium and cobalt. Finding ways to reduce those expenses is proving increasingly important as surging demand for electric vehicles sends raw materials prices soaring.

Lithium nationalism is taking root in region with most resources

29-06-2021 09:11 Politicians in Latin America, a region that accounts for more than half the world’s lithium resources, are looking to increase the role of the state in an industry that’s crucial for weaning the world off fossil fuels.