China's Zhicun Lithium explores lithium opportunities in Kazakhstan

Published: Apr 19, 2024 17:38

Source: SMM

Save

On 12 April, Zhicun Lithium, one of China's leading lithium producers, is disclosed to be in communication with Kazakh Invest in terms of lithium exploration and building processing projects in Kazakhstan.

Kazakh Invest is a national company owned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, aiming to attract high-quality investment from abroad. Discussions between Kazakh Invest and Zhicun highlighted Kazakhstan's significant lithium potential and strategic importance for developing the industry and fostering long-term cooperation and technology transfer.

This initiative is part of a broader international interest in Kazakhstan's lithium resources. Notably, the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM) identified a high-grade lithium deposit in Eastern Kazakhstan last year. KIGAM plans to apply for a drilling survey in the area next year with a Korean company to begin mining the lithium. Additionally, German companies, including Knauf Gruppe and HMS Bergbau AG, have formed a consortia to explore and develop lithium mining in the region, with substantial investment lined up.

The convergence of Chinese, Korean, and German interests in Kazakhstan's lithium reserves highlights the global race for lithium, which has been marked by not only economic opportunities but also geopolitical positioning in securing a “risk-free” supply chain.

Author: Hongqiu Su | Battery Metals Analyst Associate | London Office, Shanghai Metals Market
Email: lilysu@smm.cn

New Energy

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM's internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or for more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn

For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn

Related News

12 mins ago

[SMM Analysis] Cobalt Chloride and Co3O4 Quotes Pulled Back Sharply

12 mins ago

34 mins ago

The summit set the tone of "oxide first, sulphide later"; on the eve of mass production, capital and projects accelerated in resonance [SMM Solid-State Battery Weekly Analysis].

[SMM Solid-State Battery Weekly Analysis: Summit Sets the "Oxide First, Sulphide Delayed" Tone; Capital and Projects Accelerate in Resonance on the Eve of Mass Production] This week, the Chicago summit set the industry pace: oxide electrolytes are expected to be deployed first within 2-3 years, while sulphide all-solid-state batteries are postponed to the period from 2028 to 2030. Baima Lake Laboratory's boride solid-state battery has broken through 400 Wh/kg, operating over a wide temperature range and under low pressure, and targeting low-altitude economy and robotics scenarios. Sichuan Advanced Battery Innovation Center will be delivered at the end of August, Shandong Chuanglu's 100 mt-class production line will enter mass production, and De'er Co., Ltd.'s PACK pilot line was completed. Ruizhi New Energy and Guxin Energy raised a combined total of more than 100 million yuan, a joint laboratory for robot batteries was established, and solid-state batteries have fully transitioned from the laboratory to mass-production-driven development.

34 mins ago

35 mins ago

US Nuvvon's Solid-State Battery Deployment in the Polymer Electrolyte Segment [SMM Analysis]

[SMM Analysis: Solid-State Battery Layout of US Nuvvon in the Polymer Electrolyte Track] Nuvvon is a solid-state battery startup based in New Jersey, US, pursuing a pure solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) route that contains no sulphides or oxides and can operate at ambient temperature and pressure without cooling, heating, or pressurization systems. Its 1 Ah/5 Ah pouch cells use NMC811 cathodes and lithium metal anodes, deliver more than 2,000 cycles, operate at -20°C to +60°C, and have passed independent nail penetration tests to verify safety. The company is currently moving from the laboratory toward commercial sample delivery, has raised $5.3 million in seed funding, and its new laboratory is now operational.

35 mins ago