LiCarbonate Daily - June 13

Published: Jun 13, 2024 19:12 (GMT+8)
Source: SMM
On June 13, lithium carbonate futures rose 1.14% to 97,800 yuan/ton (~13,489.66 USD/ton). The battery-grade index fell to 99,121 yuan/ton (~13,671.86 USD/ton).

Market Summary: On June 13, the lithium carbonate market saw an increase, with the main 2407 futures contract rising by 1.14%. The futures opened at 98,200 yuan per ton (~13,544.83 USD/ton) and closed at 97,800 yuan per ton (~13,489.66 USD/ton). The trading volume was 125,979 contracts, and open interest decreased by 8,367 contracts to 131,634.

Spot Market Overview:

Battery-Grade Lithium Carbonate:

SMM index: 99,121 yuan per ton (~13,671.86 USD/ton), down by 152 yuan from the previous day.

Price range: 96,900 - 101,700 yuan per ton, with an average price of 99,300 yuan per ton (~13,696.55 USD/ton), down by 150 yuan.

Industrial-Grade Lithium Carbonate:

Price range: 94,300 - 96,300 yuan per ton, with an average price of 95,300 yuan per ton (~13,144.83 USD/ton), down by 200 yuan.


Market Dynamics:

Futures Performance: The main 2407 futures contract opened at 98,200 yuan per ton, dipped to an intraday low of 96,050 yuan per ton, then rebounded and stabilized, ultimately closing up by 1.14%.

Spot Market Activity: Spot transaction volumes showed a slight improvement, with most transactions concentrated in the futures and spot market. Some trading companies increased their acquisitions of lithium carbonate for the August contract. Additionally, some downstream buyers made small purchases to replenish their inventories at recent low prices. However, most cathode manufacturers stated that their current needs are already met by long-term agreements and customer supplies, leading to a cautious approach to the spot market. Market prices have stabilized somewhat but continue to trend slightly downward.

Looking Forward:

Production and Sales:

Upstream producers are seeing increased interest in lithium carbonate for future contracts, but overall spot market transactions remain cautious.

Purchasing Behavior:

Downstream buyers are selectively purchasing at lower prices to replenish inventories, but many remain cautious and focused on long-term agreements. Market activity is expected to remain stable with slight downward pressure on prices.

* You can subscribe to LiCarbonate Daily and it will be sent to your email daily; To subscribe, simply send an email to me : robinhe@smm.cn *

If you have any questions regarding the recent movement of lithium carbonate market (e.g. what caused it and how this can affect your business), or would like to know more comprehensive pricing info on Lithium Carbonate. Please feel free to reach out to me:

Robin He

SMM Li-ion Battery Materials Department

E: robinhe@smm.cn | T: +86-21-51595884

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
[SMM News] Brazil regulator orders partial halt at Sigma Lithium mine over ‘imminent risk’
59 mins ago
[SMM News] Brazil regulator orders partial halt at Sigma Lithium mine over ‘imminent risk’
Read More
[SMM News] Brazil regulator orders partial halt at Sigma Lithium mine over ‘imminent risk’
[SMM News] Brazil regulator orders partial halt at Sigma Lithium mine over ‘imminent risk’
On October 2(nd), Sigma Lithium has suspended all mining and industrial activities at its Grota do Cirilo operation in Brazil, its sole producing asset, pending a federal appeals court ruling on a preliminary injunction over its environmental licences. Brazil's national mining agency (ANM) had ordered mining halted on the eastern slope of the north pit. Concentrate output from the site is halted during the suspension, and sales of lithium fines continue. Sigma pushed back its 12-month production guidance of 240,000 mt by three months and maintains its FY2027 target of 330,000 mt of concentrate.
59 mins ago
[SMM News] Lithium Argentina outlines phased expansion plan for Cauchari-Olaroz
59 mins ago
[SMM News] Lithium Argentina outlines phased expansion plan for Cauchari-Olaroz
Read More
[SMM News] Lithium Argentina outlines phased expansion plan for Cauchari-Olaroz
[SMM News] Lithium Argentina outlines phased expansion plan for Cauchari-Olaroz
Lithium Argentina confirmed a Stage 2 expansion at the Cauchari-Olaroz salt lake project in Argentina, adding 45,000 mt/y of lithium carbonate capacity and lifting total capacity to 85,000 mt/y. Of this, an initial 10,000 mt/y module using adsorption direct lithium extraction (DLE) is expected online in 2028. This estimates after-tax NPV at $3.1 billion and IRR at 28.5% at a lithium carbonate price of $18,000/mt, with operating costs of $5,006/mt. Total investment for Stage 2 is $1 billion. The project remains subject to regulatory approvals, and detailed engineering for the initial module is due later this year. The additional supply is scheduled from 2028 onward.
59 mins ago
[SMM News] Patagonia Lithium completes 72-hour pump test at Cilon
1 hour ago
[SMM News] Patagonia Lithium completes 72-hour pump test at Cilon
Read More
[SMM News] Patagonia Lithium completes 72-hour pump test at Cilon
[SMM News] Patagonia Lithium completes 72-hour pump test at Cilon
Patagonia Lithium completed a 72-hour pump test at well eight on its Cilon concession, with a flow rate of 2,043 litres/hour and 146,800 litres extracted. Lithium concentration reached 232 ppm at 250m depth. About 34 kg of lithium was pumped, equal to 180 kg of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE). In the 24-hour recovery test, the water level returned from 52.4m to the static level of 3.64m. The company identified an aquifer zone of interest between 226m and 324m depth and is updating its mineral resource estimate, with a scoping report to follow. The project is at the exploration stage, and no production timeline has been announced.
1 hour ago