Welcome to the global race of the 21st century. The prize? Not gold or oil, but a seemingly unassuming metal that’s become the linchpin of the electric vehicle revolution: lithium. This lightweight metal is the powerhouse behind electric vehicle batteries, driving us towards a greener, more sustainable future. Let’s embark on a journey through the global lithium race, a contest as electrifying as the vehicles it powers.

American Automakers’ Strategic Shift

In the land of Ford and General Motors, the race has taken an unexpected turn. These traditional automakers, once solely reliant on fossil fuels, are now venturing into the realm of lithium mining. Faced with potential roadblocks in their ambitious electric vehicle plans, they’re forming alliances with mining companies. It’s a strategic pit stop designed to ensure a steady supply of lithium, the crucial fuel for their electric dreams. This move is a testament to the changing tides in the automotive industry, with sustainability and innovation at the forefront.

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/02/business/lithium-mining-automakers-electric-vehicles.html

China’s African Lithium Safari

Meanwhile, China, the world’s leading electric vehicle battery producer, is blazing a trail in Africa. Chinese firms are investing heavily in African mines, a strategy that could supercharge Africa’s lithium production by over thirty times by 2027. This move is set to strengthen China’s pole position in the electric vehicle metals race, even as the US gears up to establish its own supply networks. It’s a clear demonstration of China’s foresight in securing critical resources, reinforcing its position as a global leader in the electric vehicle industry.

https://english.alarabiya.net/business/economy/2023/07/03/China-ahead-in-the-rush-for-lithium-from-Africa-by-securing-new-sources-of-supply

Bolivia’s Lithium Bonanza

Bolivia, a country sitting on the world’s largest lithium resources, is also revving its engines. The South American nation has signed lithium agreements with Russian state nuclear firm Rosatom and China’s Citic Guoan Group. These deals, worth a cool $1.4 billion, aim to tap into Bolivia’s vast lithium resources. With these agreements, Bolivia could produce 100,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate by 2025, a significant milestone in the country’s industrialization journey. This move could transform Bolivia into a key player in the global lithium market, leveraging its rich resources to fuel the electric vehicle revolution.

https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2023/6/29/bolivia-taps-china-russia-in-bid-to-unlock-huge-lithium-riches

Europe’s Lithium Odyssey

Across the Atlantic, the French minerals company Imerys has teamed up with British Lithium, a UK-based startup. Their joint venture aims to develop a mine capable of producing enough lithium carbonate to power 500,000 electric vehicles annually. This strategic move could position Imerys as the largest integrated lithium producer in Europe, meeting approximately two-thirds of Britain’s estimated battery demand by 2030. This partnership signifies Europe’s commitment to the electric vehicle revolution, highlighting the continent’s efforts to become self-reliant in lithium production.

https://edition.cnn.com/2023/06/29/business/british-lithium-imerys-cornwall-mine-intl-hnk/index.html

Glencore’s Lithium Investment in Argentina

Adding another dimension to the global lithium race, Swiss commodities giant Glencore is in advanced talks to fund the development of French miner Eramet’s lithium processing plant in Centenario-Ratones, Argentina. In exchange for funding, Glencore plans to sign an offtake agreement with Eramet, securing a steady supply of lithium. This collaboration, along with Glencore’s plans to establish a recycling hub in Italy to produce crucial battery materials such as lithium, underscores the strategic importance of lithium in the global commodities market.

https://www.mining-technology.com/news/glencore-talks-eramet-argentina/

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Read our previous article on this topic:

https://batteryjuniors.com/2023/06/19/catl-investment-bolivian-lithium/