There is precedent for using critical materials as geopolitical leverage
New technology that extracts the metal from underground brines has been compared to the shale revolution
Anglo-Australian miner doubles down on critical mineral, buying almost 50% stake in partnership with Codelco
Ioneer’s Rhyolite Ridge project part of US ambitions to secure supply of critical minerals
World’s largest oil company in race to build supply chain for metal vital for batteries to power electric cars
China discussing using Elon Musk as broker in TikTok deal
Mining major is betting on metal’s future because of its key role in electric vehicle batteries despite global glut
Analysts expect supply deficit to develop as countries race to meet climate targets
Biden administration issues rare mine approval for Ioneer site in Nevada and extends tax breaks to companies
US carmaker seeks to secure supply of metal expected to suffer shortfalls because of rising demand in switch to EVs
Extreme volatility in price of key battery material reflects uncertainty over current global market for electric vehicles
Acquisition will make Anglo-Australian miner one of world’s biggest producers of key battery material
Deal would make miner one of world’s largest producers of key battery material
US futures exchange launches contracts for raw material used in electric vehicle chargers
Environmentalists aim to stop Rio Tinto’s Jadar project despite Belgrade’s promise of economic boom
Asset managers fret over lost gains as investor cash piles up on the sidelines
Analysts say new techniques could double production of key battery material and have similar impact to shale on oil sector
US-based Albemarle cuts expansion plans amid struggles for processor of key mineral for electric cars
Despite Chinese interest, president says he is ‘loyal’ to EU as he hosts German chancellor in Belgrade
Exploitation of one of the world’s largest deposits of the metal would boost Europe’s electric vehicle industry
Minas Gerais deposits of the mineral are turning a once forlorn region of the state into a prospecting hotspot
Strategy is at risk as President Gabriel Boric’s government works to take back control of resources
Chinese consumer shift to smaller battery cars that need less of the metal is also expected to cut usage
Miners slash costs and scale back plans to increase production after battery metal’s price plummets more than 80% in 12 months
Group is hunting for lithium assets in the country with aim of assembling an integrated supply chain
