This week (August 4-8) overseas lithium news [SMM Weekly Overseas New Energy News]

[Australia's PLS Poised for Growth as Lithium Market Thaws]

After experiencing the most transformative year in its history, Australia's PLS is ready to welcome a recovery in lithium prices.

In recent weeks, spodumene concentrate prices have fluctuated sharply, dropping to around $600/mt in early July before rebounding to approximately $800/mt.

Although current price movements are supply-related, PLS Managing Director Dale Henderson noted that demand remains robust, with global EV sales reaching 5 million units in Q2, up 27% YoY, while BESS demand is projected to grow 40% YoY.

"We believe current prices are unsustainable. Prices must rise," Henderson said.

Henderson stated that Pilgangoora delivered strong performance in Q2, with production surging 77% YoY to 221,300 mt of spodumene and unit costs declining 10% to $397/mt.

Full-year production totaled 755,000 mt, exceeding the guidance range of 700,000-740,000 mt, while unit costs stood at A$627/mt ($406/mt), within the guided range.

The company generated A$192 million in operating cash profit for the year, with PLS holding A$1 billion cash at June month-end.

FY2026 will focus on optimization and cost reduction through newly installed ore sorting technology, targeting an average lithium recovery rate of 72% for the year.

Source: ming.com

[Tianqi Lithium's Australian JV Prioritizes Long-Term Feasibility of Refinery]

Tianqi Lithium Energy Australia said Tuesday it is prioritizing the long-term feasibility of its loss-making Kwinana lithium hydroxide refinery after a joint venture shareholder raised concerns about operational improvements.

The Western Australian lithium hydroxide producer stated it will continue optimizing plant operations, reducing costs and enhancing overall productivity.

Last week, IGO, which holds 49% of the JV, said it was reassessing the facility's future path due to limited confidence in operational turnaround prospects.

The Kwinana facility forms part of the partnership between IGO and China's Tianqi Lithium, which holds a 51% stake.

As Australia's first constructed lithium hydroxide plant, the refinery has faced operational challenges and production delays during the lithium price downturn.

Source: ming.com

[Century Lithium Joins US Fast-Track Program]

Century Lithium's $3.1 billion Angel Island project in Nevada has been included in the US Federal Permitting Dashboard's transparency list for accelerated approval.

The Angel Island project is in the feasibility stage. Originally named Clayton Valley, it ranks among the top claystone lithium mine development projects in the US in terms of both reserves and economic benefits. It is comparable to other claystone lithium projects in Nevada, such as Lithium Americas' project, located approximately 320 km northwest of Angel Island.

Situated near Silver Peak in eastern Nevada, Angel Island has proven and probable reserves of 287.65 million mt with a grade of 1,149 ppm lithium, equivalent to 1.75 million mt of LCE.

The project has an after-tax net present value of $3.1 billion, an after-tax internal rate of return of 17.1%, and a mine life of 40 years. Its Phase 1 capacity is set at 13,000 mt of LCE annually, with a capital cost of $1.5 billion. Expanding capacity to 28,000 mt per year would require an additional investment of $651 million.

Source: ming.com

[Kodal Collaborates with Mali Government to Accelerate Export License for Bougouni Lithium Project]

Kodal Minerals reported progress on the open-pit mine and Phase 1 dense media separation (DMS) processing plant at the Bougouni project in southern Mali on Wednesday.

Following the first production of spodumene at the Goulamina project operated by China's Ganfeng Lithium in December 2024, Bougouni will become Mali's second operating lithium mine.

The Bougouni project is operated by locally registered Mali Mining Company Les Mines de Lithium de Bougouni SA (LMLB), in which Kodal holds a 49% stake.

The company stated that the DMS plant continues to process pegmatite ore, with improvements underway. Spodumene concentrate production has exceeded 45,000 mt, ready for export.

Open-pit mining at Ngoualana continues. However, access to lower pit levels is restricted due to heavy rainfall typical of the rainy season and water accumulation in the pit.

Mining operations proceed until overburden is stripped to the final pit boundary. Mineralized pegmatite ore on stockpiles ensures continuous DMS plant operation. The LMLB operations team plans to commence a maintenance shutdown by month-end August to conduct final systematic inspections and complete upgrades. The company noted that on-site preparations for the first export are ongoing, with coordination underway at the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire's Abidjan Port and San Pedro Port to ensure smooth shipment of initial cargoes.

Source: ming.com