Direct lithium extraction in Europe is being positioned as a sustainable alternative to traditional methods, but its success will depend on overcoming hurdles in cost, regulation and scalability. Industry experts highlight that community acceptance and investment will be equally critical to its future.

The global battery supply chain race is transforming economic influence, with gigafactories, raw material sourcing and recycling strategies shaping the future of electrification and energy storage

Nano One, a Canadian process technology company focused on cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries, announced the installation of a proprietary agitator in its 20,000-liter One-Pot reactor based in Candiac, Canada, on August 20.

Global lithium-ion battery recyclers are grappling with a severe feedstock shortage, driving up competition for scrap and impacting production capacity. The situation is affecting pricing trends for black mass and battery metals across Europe, Asia and the US.

Chile’s energy transition is reshaping its mining sector, renewable energy mix, and climate strategy, with lithium and copper production at the centre of global supply chains. Policy reforms, infrastructure expansion and green technologies are positioning the country as a leader in sustainable energy development.

California-based lithium-sulfur battery-maker start-up Lyten has entered a binding agreement to acquire the remaining Swedish and German assets of failed Swedish battery-maker Northvolt, the US company said late on Thursday August 7.

CME lithium hydroxide futures reached record volumes in July 2025, reflecting strong market momentum and shifting price structures driven by Chinese supply disruptions. Global exchanges are playing a larger role in shaping lithium trading trends.

Chinese battery giant CATL has suspended operations at its Jianxiawo lithium mine in Jiangxi after its permit expired, sparking price jumps in lithium futures and spot markets. Analysts note the halt could influence supply and market sentiment despite CATL’s assurance of minimal operational impact.

Spodumene production in Australia and Canada rose in the second quarter of 2025, with most producers maintaining profitability despite falling prices. However, several high-cost operations remain inactive amid ongoing market uncertainty.

To increase the transparency of our methodology, Fastmarkets clarifies that qualities of these two battery-grade lithium hydroxide assessments are both coarse. You can find the updated methodology for lithium hydroxide here: https://www.fastmarkets.com/uploads/2025/05/fm-mb-lithium.pdf To provide feedback on this clarification for the battery-grade lithium hydroxide methodology please contact Zihao Li by email at: pricing@fastmarkets.com. Please add the […]