Arcadium Lithium reports drops in lithium sales

Arcadium Lithium reported a dip in Q3 lithium production and sales, citing a slowdown in market demand and ramp-up delays in Argentina.

Arcadium’s quarterly sales included 32,400 metric tonnes of spodumene concentrate at US$925 per tonne of SC6 equivalent, and 8,750 metric tonnes of lithium hydroxide and carbonate at an average price of US$16,200 per metric tonne, reflecting a price drop from US$17,200 in Q2. Total lithium volumes fell 6% from the previous quarter. This was partly due to delays in ramping up the Olaroz Stage 2 project in Argentina, impacting carbonate output.

Production cost pressures also emerged, with the total Q3 cost of sales jumping to US$146.9 million from US$83.6 million a year ago. The company attributed the increase to inflation and operational challenges in its supply chain.