Demand May Drive Upward Movement of Spodumene Prices in the Future

On August 4, Global Lithium (ASX: GL1) announced that its Manna Lithium Project in Western Australia has received approval for its Mining Development and Closure Proposal (MDCP) from the Western Australian Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration. The approval was secured slightly ahead of the company’s internal schedule, marking another key milestone in the project’s development. The approved MDCP authorises the commencement of early works and critical site infrastructure, including the development of multiple open pits, an accommodation village, and associated mining facilities. According to the company, the approval further de-risks Manna’s accelerated development pathway and strengthens its integrated Manna–Nova development strategy. Global Lithium is targeting a Final Investment Decision (FID) in the fourth quarter of 2026, with first Direct Shipping Ore (DSO) expected in the second quarter of 2027, followed by first production of SC5.5 spodumene concentrate in mid-2027. Managing Director Dr. Dianmin Chen said the approval represents an important regulatory milestone that further accelerates the company’s path toward production and supports its ambition to become Australia’s next lithium producer.

[SMM Laporan Pagi Kobalt & Litium: Harga Bahan Baku Berdivergensi, Permintaan Industri Mempertahankan Dukungan Struktural] Pekan ini, harga rantai industri menunjukkan divergensi. Bijih litium, kimia litium, kimia nikel, dan produk kobalt secara umum tertekan. Pengadaan hilir tetap terfokus pada pengambilan kargo kontrak jangka panjang dan pengisian stok esensial, dan pasar masih memegang ekspektasi peningkatan pasokan serta penurunan harga dalam jangka panjang. Di sisi material katoda, harga sistem terner terkoreksi seiring biaya bahan baku, sementara LFP dan besi fosfat sedikit menguat, didukung pertumbuhan pesanan dan dukungan biaya. Pasar anoda dan separator stabil secara keseluruhan, dan elektrolit naik terdorong kenaikan harga aditif dan pelarut. Permintaan dari penyimpanan energi, kendaraan komersial, dan pasar di luar Cina tetap menunjukkan kinerja baik, menopang pertumbuhan berkelanjutan jadwal produksi industri, namun pemulihan di sisi konsumsi masih relatif lambat.