The IEA contends that today’s international energy security mechanisms are designed to provide insurance against the risks of disruptions or price spikes in hydrocarbons supply, but that no such mechanisms are in place to deal with the critical materials set to underpin the energy transition.
Rising demand for lithium is stoking prices for the electric vehicle battery metal, fueling long-delayed expansions that still may not produce adequate supplies that automakers need to meet aggressive production plans.
Spain is moving aggressively to land new battery and electric vehicle plants, using billions of European Union pandemic relief funds to avoid being left behind as the global auto sector undertakes the biggest technology transformation in a century. As Europe's second largest car-producing nation behind Germany, and with the automotive sector accounting for 10% of its economy, Spain has a lot to lose as automakers overhaul supply chains and manufacturing for electric vehicles.
The eight areas proposed for the tender for exploration and prospecting of lithium is to exclude natural parks and Natura 2000 Network areas, said the director general for Energy, João Bernardo.
Ganfeng Lithium Co. Ltd. said it will buy out London-listed Mexican miner Bacanora Lithium PLC in a deal valued at up to 190 million pounds ($264 million), becoming China’s latest natural resource asset purchase to feed its booming demand for new-energy products.
Western governments should consider stockpiling critical battery metals such as cobalt and lithium, the International Energy Agency said, in a stark warning of the geopolitical risks that accompany the green-energy transition. That call comes as some policy makers worry the shift from burning fossil fuels to a greener economy will expose the world to new threats. Unlike oil, a relatively ubiquitous commodity, production and processing of minerals such as lithium, cobalt and some rare earth elements is highly concentrated, with the top three producers accounting for more than 75% of global supply.
The California Independent System Operator (CAISO), which oversees much of the US state’s electricity infrastructure and markets, is preparing for the coming “surge” in energy storage deployments. CAISO said last week that it is exploring market reforms that would help it “embrace a historic tide of commercial-scale storage technology onto its system in the next few years”.
Environmental worries have boosted anti-lithium sentiment across Europe and EU officials say it is crucial to show local populations that mining the metal used in electric car batteries is no longer a “dirty operation.”
Ford Motor Co (F.N) and BMW AG (BMWG.DE) are leading a $130 million funding round in a solid-state battery startup, Solid Power, as carmakers push to lower the cost of electric vehicles by investing in the development of affordable but powerful rechargeable batteries, the companies said on Monday.
Murata Manufacturing will begin mass-producing all-solid-state batteries in the months ahead and supply the ultrasafe, next-generation power packs to makers of earphones and other wearables as it forgoes short-term profit and attempts to carve out a niche for itself in a cutthroat industry.
from the ASX...MoU with Technologica in Germany to market Alpha’s high purity aluminium products to specialty markets within the EU.
MoU to complement existing marketing activities to provide global reach.
Marketing will include a focus on Alpha’s 5N aluminium precursors and includes contemplated volumes of up to 6000kg per month for each of Alpha's high purity precursor products.
Altura has been a shareholder in Lithium Corporation since 2012 and will now focus on upgrading its passive interest to active project involvement.
Letter of Intent for Earn-in Option for 60% of Fish Lake Valley project.
Fish Lake Valley is strategically located to support the North America lithium and electric vehicle market.
Altura to leverage its established battery materials relationships to uplift value for both Lithium Corporation and Altura.
Manono Special Economic Zone (MSEZ) decision expected end of May 2021.
Hydro-Electric Power Plant feasibility study validated by Ministry of Hydraulic Resources and Electricity.
AVZ actively engaging with newly appointed DRC Government Cabinet.
Front End Engineering Design Study 70% complete.
CSA Global updating Mineral Resource Estimate and pit shell designs.
Roche Dure pit optimisation redesign to begin once Mineral Resource Estimate is completed.
Optimisation of Definitive Feasibility Study now leading towards Bankable Feasibility Study report.
All studies required for mining lease application completed.
Drilling of Carriere de l’Este orebody continues.
Construction of Camp Colline progressing well.
Project finance negotiations advancing.
Lithium hydroxide flowsheet development study awarded and progressing well.
DRC Government approves draft inter-ministerial Decree approving a draft Cooperation Agreement with AVZ.
Creation of a Special Economic Zone for Manono (MSEZ) is a part of the Cooperation Agreement.
Conclusion of the final Cooperation Agreement is expected to deliver significant economic benefits for the Manono Lithium and Tin Project.
BlackEarth has recommenced exploration activities at Maniry with trenching activities in the Razafy Northwest area nearing completion.
Drilling to recommence shortly at the Maniry Graphite Project with extensive drill program to take place within the Company’s Exploration Target area.
The drill program has been designed with the aim of adding to the existing Total JORC Resource of 20.2Mt at 6.51% TGC, by Q3 2021 (refer ASX announcement 27 December 2018).
The proposed initial1,000 metres diamond program will target the shallow high grade Razafy Northwest area identified earlier via trenching.
Further personnel and equipment are mobilising to site with drilling scheduled to commence shortly.
FYI Resources Limited (ASX: FYI) (“FYI” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce it has entered into an exclusivity agreement with Alcoa Australia Limited (“Alcoa”) to facilitate detailed negotiation of the terms of a possible high purity alumina (HPA) project joint venture.
During the 90-day exclusivity period, which is aligned with the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) formed in September 2020, the parties will undertake further due diligence to establish the technical and commercial viability of establishing a joint venture for the future development and commercialisation of FYI’s HPA project.
The 90-day exclusivity period started on 5th May 2021.
Recently acquired equipment evaluated with annual production expanded to 1.8 GWh.
Machinery was acquired from a plant previously operated by A123 Systems in Michigan.
Estimated minimum offtake sales of US$655 million have now been secured.
Operating and Capital Cost estimates finalised for a Primobius 50tpd (18,250tpa) commercial recycling plant in Germany based on successful pilot plant trials of Neometals’ proprietary hydrometallurgical flowsheet;
Operating cost estimate of €1,417 (US$1,560) per tonne of batteries processed;
Capital cost estimate of €150M (US$165M)(inc.10% contingency) for 50tpd (18,250tpa) recycling operation;
Capital cost increase from 2019 Scoping Study largely attributable to construct-own buildings and infrastructure v. commercial lease, additional equipment to increase recoveries and site relocation to Germany; and
Demonstration Plant trials and Feasibility Study on-schedule for completion in July and December 2021 respectively, with a final investment decision on track for the MarQ of 2022.
Strategic development and extensional drilling adjacent to the historical Alturatenement boundary and near the proposed South Pit further defines zones of high-grade pegmatite mineralisation.
7,009 drill metres completed to date of a proposed 9,500 metre program.
Select assay results received from the first nine holes in the program include:
Interpreted pegmatite intercepts (assays pending) also point to additional near-surfacemineralisation adjacent to the old Altura tenement boundary and South Pit areas.
Drilling continues, which will inform a proposed combined Pilgangoora Project resourceupdate anticipated during the September 2021 Quarter.
from Twitter...Crossover points for upfront cost parity between electric and internal combustion engine cars in Europe:
— Nat Bullard (@NatBullard) May 10, 2021
2025: Light vans
2026: Sedans
2026: SUVs
2026: Heavy vans
2027: Small cars
New @BloombergNEF study for @transenv https://t.co/aIRUZKzf8L pic.twitter.com/iJEnwmV8Ik
BREAKING: Electric cars will be cheaper than petrol cars in ALL segments by 2027, finds @BloombergNEF study for T&E
— Transport & Environment (@transenv) May 10, 2021
2025: Light vans
2026: Sedans
2026: SUVs
2026: Heavy vans
2027: Small cars
???? https://t.co/BanH84gp0P
Time to #NameTheDate for ending new fossil-fuel car sales! pic.twitter.com/wUHXBCrBWP
Pathways to 100% battery electric vehicle sales in Europe by mid-2030s, from new @BloombergNEF @transenv research https://t.co/aIRUZKzf8L pic.twitter.com/MM7mkUmxD2
— Nat Bullard (@NatBullard) May 10, 2021
Prices of SC6 breaking the 700 barrier according to @SPGlobalPlatts lastest price assessment.
— Daniel Jimenez Sch (@D_Jimenez_Sch) May 7, 2021
Effective SC6 supply management by holders of idle capacity will ensure prices to remain above this levels. pic.twitter.com/gl7lKQEvxP
Still strange Australia continue to export large volume of spodumene instead to take back control as the key Li-nation to expand supply chain locally. Australia government should step in the same way Indonesian government involve in nickel deal.
— Karl (@Karl77573036) May 6, 2021
It's a bit complicated, but this is a handy chart from IEA on what the world's largest automakers have all pledged in terms of electric vehicle sales over the next decade. (I think Fiat-Chrysler and Peugeot are the two missing here.) https://t.co/lWZBonsjiy pic.twitter.com/FM30zlLZ0K
— brad plumer (@bradplumer) May 3, 2021
The values of recoverable* materials in lithium-ion batteries on #StarWarsDay are very different to a year ago.
— Hans Eric Melin (@hanseric) May 4, 2021
NMC is worth more today than LCO in 2020
LFP (always claimed as low value) has increased with 58%
Difficult to see. Always in motion is the future.
*able ≠ ed pic.twitter.com/jitoMCEcbg
The awakening of the bear: Russia last 12 month LiOH exports doubling in a little over one year to 13 kMT LiOH.
— Daniel Jimenez Sch (@D_Jimenez_Sch) May 4, 2021
Russia has a long standing Li chemistry tradition and will probably try to leverage it to ride the wave of the battery supply chain in a bigger way. pic.twitter.com/TA4RNcQ8li
Energy storage is key to the clean energy transition. Without the ability to store and discharge renewable energy, a zero-emissions grid simply would not be possible. Consequently, energy storage is projected to be a $1.2 trillion global market, with 25x growth by 2030. ☀️????
— LivioFilice (@LivioFilice) May 2, 2021