Market participants are converging on Bali in Indonesia for the Fastmarkets International Critical Minerals & Metals Summit (ICMMS) on September 5 and 6, so ahead of the event, we capture the main themes facing the global nickel market.

Fastmarkets launched a new alumina index for Indonesian material on Monday September 2 ahead of the International Critical Minerals and Mining Summit to be held in Bali later this week.

China’s lithium carbonate prices fell in the week to Thursday August 29, amid volatility in futures prices. Hydroxide prices also softened on the back of muted spot demand.

Northvolt will shift development of its lithium-metal battery technology from California to Northvolt Labs, its research and development campus in Sweden, to consolidate its cell product portfolio, promote cross-innovation and enable cost efficiencies, according to the Swedish battery maker

China’s nickel sulfate prices have been consolidating within the range of 26,000-27,500 yuan ($3,653-3,863) per tonne in the past few weeks, with no signs of a clear direction, sources told Fastmarkets.

California could soon enact legislation that would make electric vehicle (EV) battery producers responsible for ensuring end-of-life management and recycling of their batteries after Senate Bill (SB) 615 was approved by the Assembly Committee on Appropriations, clearing the way for a floor vote.

Canada will impose 100% tariff on imports of China-made electric vehicles (EVs) starting October 1, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Monday August 26. The country is also imposing a 25% tariff on steel and aluminium imports from China starting October 15.

The China Zinc Smeltery Purchase Team (CZSPT) are discussing possible production cuts on the back of tighter supplies of zinc concentrates and weak demand, according to information provider Antaike.

Sigma Lithium is “pacing, not racing” the expansion of its capacity in the current lithium market cycle, but has an acceleration plan in case of an improvement in conditions, chief executive officer Ana Cabral said.

Signals of oversupply are caused by newly signed contracts and delays in seaborne logistics, said cobalt traders