This week (8.11-8.15) overseas lithium news [SMM Weekly Overseas New Energy News]

[Brunswick Exploration Significantly Expands Greenland Spodumene Pegmatite Field]

Brunswick Exploration Inc. is pleased to announce the identification of Greenland's largest spodumene pegmatite belt to date. The discovery of multiple new spodumene-bearing pegmatites has significantly expanded the company's initially delineated Ivisaartoq spodumene pegmatite field within the Nuuk license area last year, with the overall strike length now extending approximately 2 km.

This exploration achievement highlights the company's consistent systematic exploration approach. Currently, Brunswick Exploration is planning and evaluating the optimal timing to commence comprehensive drilling at Ivisaartoq.

To date, the company has confirmed at least eight pegmatite outcrops concentrated within a mineralized zone measuring approximately 2,000 meters long and 300 meters wide, with open boundaries in all directions. The spodumene-bearing zone lies within a larger, highly favorable geochemical anomaly envelope spanning roughly 3 km × 1.5 km, which also contains numerous highly differentiated pegmatite veins. The company believes there is potential for discovering additional spodumene pegmatites at surface and depth across this mineralized zone, the broader geochemical anomaly envelope, and the entire South Ivisaartoq belt (with a strike length of about 20 km).

The surface expressions of spodumene outcrops vary in size, ranging from 5–400 meters in length and 2–40 meters in width. Lithium mineralization is predominantly spodumene, with content ranging from sparse to approximately 50%, exhibiting white or pale green crystals measuring 1–40 cm. Minor associated lithium-bearing minerals include holmquistite, elbaite, and lepidolite in the host rock. The company has initiated preparations for Ivisaartoq's maiden drilling program to test the newly discovered outcrop pegmatites.

All newly discovered outcrop spodumene mineralizations have been confirmed through portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) detection. Grab and channel samples have been sent to ALS Laboratory in Dublin, Ireland for analysis, while thin sections will be prepared for mineralogical studies. As drilling progresses, the scale, occurrence, and overall grade of the pegmatites will be further determined.

Source: Junior of ming

[Mexico's PEMEX Plans Lithium Extraction from Oilfield Brine]

Mexico's state-owned oil company Petróleos Mexicanos (PEMEX) is exploring lithium extraction from oilfield brine to diversify its investment portfolio and advance the country's energy transition.

In its 2025–2030 strategic plan released last month, CEO Victor Rodríguez revealed that high-concentration lithium resources with grades comparable to Bolivia's have been detected during drilling operations spanning five states.

PEMEX is evaluating direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology to separate and process lithium into lithium carbonate or lithium hydroxide, which are essential for batteries and clean energy technologies.

According to the plan, PEMEX may establish a new subsidiary, PEMEX Lithium, dedicated to producing so-called "petrolithium"—lithium derived from oilfield brine. This initiative aligns with President Claudia Sheinbaum's strategy to promote energy diversification and resource sovereignty.

Sheinbaum views the company's lithium business expansion as a deliberate move to reduce reliance on oil production, refining, and fuel sales while opening new revenue streams.

The plan is expected to facilitate collaboration between PEMEX and the state-owned lithium company LitioMx, following the global trend of oil majors investing in lithium for future development.

Mexico is estimated to hold 1.7 million mt of lithium reserves, though less than other Latin American producers. However, 82 deposits have been identified across 18 states, with Sonora, Puebla, and Oaxaca exhibiting the highest grades. With proper investment and development, Mexico could secure a significant position in the global lithium market.

Source: ming.com

[Argentina Lithium and Ganfeng Lithium to Establish New Joint Venture]

August 12, 2025—Argentina Lithium & Energy Corp. (TSXV: LAR) is pleased to announce the signing of a framework agreement with Ganfeng Lithium Group Co., Ltd. ("Ganfeng Lithium") to establish a new joint venture. This venture will integrate Ganfeng Lithium's wholly owned Pozuelos-Pastos Grandes project, Argentina Lithium's 85%-controlled Pastos Grandes project, and its 65%-controlled Sal de la Puna project (collectively, the "PPG Project"). Upon completion, Ganfeng Lithium will hold a 67% stake in the PPG Project, while Argentina Lithium will retain 33%, with ownership ratios based on resource contributions, capital investments, and technical inputs.

To date, Argentina Lithium and Ganfeng Lithium have invested approximately $1.8 billion in the PPG Project for acquisition and development.

Project Details:

The current development plan proposes a three-phase construction, with each phase targeting a capacity of 50,000 mt LCE and a total maximum capacity of 150,000 mt LCE/year. A feasibility study is underway, evaluating both lithium carbonate and lithium chloride production routes to enhance flexibility for battery market applications. The study will also assess a hybrid process combining direct lithium extraction (DLE) with solar evaporation to scale operations and improve efficiency. Results are expected by the end of 2025 and will support the application for RIGI (Regime for Large Investment Incentives), which is planned for formal submission in H1 2026.

Both parties are jointly exploring financing solutions to advance subsequent development, including negotiating offtake agreements with potential customers and strategic partners, introducing minority equity investors, and securing project financing.

Details of the new joint venture:

Under the framework agreement, both parties have committed to immediately initiate a series of tasks to establish the legal and commercial foundation for the new joint venture. These include: (i) finalizing definitive agreements comprehensively outlining the core commercial terms of the new joint venture, including shareholder agreements or equivalent documents, operating agreements, offtake agreements, and technology licensing agreements; (ii) completing the formulation of the overall development plan; and (iii) finalizing loan agreements for debt financing. Each of these constitutes a necessary prerequisite for establishing the new joint venture, in addition to other customary conditions such as obtaining regulatory approvals and applicable stock exchange approvals. The new joint venture is expected to complete closing in Q1 2026.

Source: Junior of ming

[Albemarle Reports Normal Operations Resume at Chile Lithium Plant After Last Week's Incident]

Albemarle's lithium processing plant in La Negra, Chile, has resumed normal operations following an "incident" last week. Earlier, a local legislator revealed that authorities had launched an investigation.

Albemarle stated that the incident caused no injuries and is not expected to affect sales of lithium products used in lithium-ion battery manufacturing, though no further details were provided. It remains unclear whether the plant experienced a brief shutdown last week, and Albemarle has not disclosed specifics about the incident.

Jaime Araya, a Chilean congressman representing the Antofagasta region where the plant is located, sent letters last week to Chile's mining regulator and labor authorities requesting inspections. This followed complaints about a ruptured pipeline transporting acid.

Araya stated on Tuesday that he had been notified that labor inspectors had initiated an investigation.

A source familiar with Albemarle's operations noted that such investigations are standard procedure and confirmed the plant is operating normally. Another source added that the issue only involved one storage tank.

At noon on Tuesday, Albemarle's stock price dropped slightly to $80.14 per share.

Source: ming.com