Commissioning of Lithium Mines Calls for Constant Attention

SHANGHAI, Feb 20 (SMM) - There is a growing consensus of expectations that lithium ore market will be oversupplied in the future. However, factors such as lower ore grades and changes in mine commissioning schedules following the price drop have brought about higher mining costs and delays in expansion projects, creating greater uncertainty over the growth of mine supply.

The announcement at the beginning of the year also added to concerns about mine supply. The commissioning of Mt Marion's 900,000 mt of new capacity has been delayed due to delays in equipment delivery and manpower shortages, and Mt Marion's shipment guidance has been reduced to 250,000-280,000 dmt (previously 300,000-333,000 dmt) in fiscal year 2023.

The first phase of Livent's 10,000-mt lithium carbonate expansion project in Argentina is almost finished and is in the process of commissioning, with commercial production expected in the second half of 2023 (half a year later than originally planned).

SMM will continue to monitor the development progress of other mines.