This Week's Overseas Lithium News (12.15-12.19) [SMM New Energy Overseas Weekly Highlights]

[Chilean National Copper Commission: Global Lithium Prices Soar but Remain Below 2024 Average Levels]

The Chilean National Copper Commission (Cochilco) stated in a report on Wednesday that global lithium carbonate prices have surged significantly in recent weeks, driven by increased supply uncertainties and improved future demand prospects, but they still remain below last year's (2024) average levels.

On December 10, the price of lithium carbonate reached $10,500 per mt, a 13% increase compared to the price at the end of October. The average price year-to-date was $9,306 per mt, 24% lower than the $12,296 per mt recorded in 2024. Consumption demand for lithium battery energy storage systems is expected to grow further, which is one of the key factors driving the price increase. Despite the market being projected to show an oversupply situation this year and next, lithium prices have still risen against the trend. Uncertainty surrounding the production resumption process at CATL's Jianxiawo mine in China is putting pressure on global lithium supply. Lithium prices are expected to rebound mildly in 2026, but a restart of production at CATL's Jianxiawo mine could lead to a short-term decline in lithium prices. According to World Economic Forum data, Chile is the world's second-largest lithium producer, after Australia.

Source: mining.com

[ABB to Provide Power Support for Vulcan Energy's Lionheart Project in Germany]

ABB has been appointed as the main electrical contractor for the first phase of Vulcan Energy's Lionheart Project in Germany. The integrated power solution will provide safe, efficient, and reliable power supply for one of Europe's first renewable lithium production sites. The project has an annual production capacity of 24,000 mt of lithium hydroxide monohydrate (LHM), which will support the region's burgeoning battery and EV supply chain.

Vulcan Energy has selected ABB to provide a full suite of power infrastructure for the first phase of its Lionheart project located in the Upper Rhine Valley of Germany. The project integrates renewable energy generation with lithium extraction and processing technologies to produce battery-grade lithium hydroxide monohydrate for the European EV market.

The Lionheart project has an annual LHM production capacity of 24,000 mt, sufficient to meet the production needs of approximately 500,000 EVs per year, while also generating 275 GWh of electricity and 560 GWh of thermal energy.

Under three contracts with a total value of €46 million, ABB will serve as the main electrical contractor for the project, responsible for the design, engineering, manufacturing, testing, and delivery of the power system. The scope of the contracts covers technical applications including the Landau lithium extraction plant, the central lithium processing plant at the Frankfurt Höchst Industrial Park, and surrounding drilling sites, encompassing the entire electrification range from high/medium/low voltage distribution, transformers, to drive systems, uninterruptible power supplies, and protective equipment. These systems will establish a stable and efficient power transmission network, enabling power supply from the 110 kV power grid to various production processes and building-level operations.

This collaboration represents the deepening and implementation of the memorandum of understanding signed by both parties in April 2024 — which aims to streamline engineering processes and enhance project delivery capabilities by optimizing design, supply chain, and cost-effectiveness. Leveraging ABB's expertise in electrification and Vulcan Energy's renewable lithium production process, the two parties will jointly create Europe's first fully integrated renewable lithium industry base.

Björn Jonsson, Global Business Line Manager for Mining and Materials in ABB's Process Industries division, stated: "The 'Project Lionheart' sets an exemplary model for the deep integration of clean energy and advanced electrification technologies. We are laying the foundation for a more resilient European battery supply chain, helping to meet the growing demand of the EV market at a critical period in the transition to clean transportation."

Cris Moreno, Managing Director and CEO of Vulcan Energy, pointed out: "ABB's expertise and system solutions ensure our ability to achieve efficient, scaled production. Together, we are building a robust, industrial-grade lithium production model that aligns with market momentum while driving large-scale decarbonization of the battery supply chain. We are delighted to partner with ABB in advancing our shared vision — to create a low-carbon future powered by renewable energy and smart electrification."

The signing of the contract is one of the prerequisites for project financing, with Vulcan Energy expected to complete financing and the signing of related project agreements in Q4 2025.

Source: https://new.abb.com

[Li-FT Power Announces Major Lithium Industry Transaction with A$130.8 Million Acquisition of Winsome Resources]

The Canadian lithium developer will proceed with the acquisition by exchanging each Winsome share for 0.107 Li-FT common shares, valuing Winsome shares at A$0.501 each, representing a 62% premium to Winsome's closing price before the announcement. On the day of the announcement, Winsome's stock closed up 8% at A$0.40 on the Australian market, while Li-FT's stock fell approximately 8.5% to C$4.60 on the Toronto market. Li-FT also announced it will acquire a 75% interest in the Galinée lithium claims in Quebec from Azimut Exploration and SOQUEM. These claims are adjacent to Winsome's flagship Adina Project, which will also be included in this acquisition. The Adina Project, one of the top five lithium resources in North America, hosts indicated resources of 1.4 million mt at 1.14% Li₂O grade and inferred resources of 16.5 million mt at 1.19% Li₂O grade.

Francis MacDonald, President and CEO of Li-FT, stated, "These transformative initiatives will help us become one of Canada's largest hard-rock lithium developers." He added that the acquisition of Winsome is expected to "enhance scale, optimize resource endowment, and improve project economics in the near term, presenting exciting development prospects" for the Adina Project. According to the 2024 preliminary feasibility study report, the initial capital expenditure for the Adina Project is estimated at $259 million, with a net present value of $743 million.

The proposed merger is subject to approval by Winsome shareholders (expected in early April 2026) and the completion of the Gallinée mineral tenure transaction. Upon completion of the transaction, existing Winsome shareholders will hold approximately 35.3% of the merged company. This series of transactions is supported by Li-FT's strategic shareholder, Avenir Mineral Company, and Winsome's largest shareholder, Volata Capital Advisors.

To support the related transactions, Li-FT plans to conduct a private placement of C$30 million for exploration work on the combined Adina-Gallinée mineral tenure, and will separately raise C$10 million specifically for the development of the Yellowknife Project. Additionally, the company plans to apply for listing on the Australian Securities Exchange.

Source: https://www.indexbox.io

[CleanTech Lithium Completes Indigenous Consultation for Laguna Verde Project]

CleanTech Lithium PLC announced on Monday that the indigenous consultation for the Special Lithium Operation Contract (CEOL) for the Laguna Verde project in Chile has officially concluded with consensus reached among the parties. This consultation is regarded as one of the most advanced with indigenous communities in Chile's lithium industry, marking a significant step for the company towards obtaining lithium mining rights in the region. Chile's Ministry of Mining is expected to launch a simplified application process in the near future for private enterprises seeking lithium development rights. The Laguna Verde salt flat is one of the key areas under Chile's National Lithium Strategy, aimed at expanding lithium production for the EV and ESS markets. Ignacio Mehech, CEO of CleanTech Lithium, stated in a press release, "The completion of the indigenous consultation for the Laguna Verde salt flat is highly encouraging. This means the simplified application channel for the CEOL, tailored for our company by the government, is about to open." The London-listed firm focuses on sustainable lithium extraction technologies, including Direct Lithium Extraction and brine reinjection. The company stated that it has established existing partnerships with indigenous communities, which will provide strong support for its CEOL application. Lithium Chile owns two core lithium mine projects in Chile — the Laguna Verde and Viento Andino projects, while also holding the Arenas Blancas exploration-stage project in the Salar de Atacama region, renowned for lithium production. The company stated that once the application process officially commences, it will promptly release subsequent progress announcements.

Source: https://www.investing.com