Fastmarkets looks ahead to 2024 and beyond at some key developments for the battery materials market as the clean energy transition faces a challenging global economic and geopolitical backdrop

As the electric vehicle (EV) revolution accelerates, battery makers find themselves at the forefront of a burgeoning industry but an industry not without its challenges

As the demand for battery materials continues to grow, those in procurement are facing a huge challenge: making sure they can get a steady and reliable supply of battery materials

In the ever-expanding world of electric vehicles (EVs), industry players face three key challenges; securing a reliable supply of battery materials, determining the most cost-effective battery chemistry and navigating the impact of current price momentum on profit margins.

South Korea plans to reduce its reliance on countries such as China when it comes to sourcing materials - including critical minerals such as graphite and rare earths - to avoid potential supply chain disruptions.

Australia’s Ionic Rare Earths is seeking investors and offtake partners for its Makuutu heavy rare earth project in Uganda, as well as sources of feedstock for its magnet recycling plant in Northern Ireland, Tim Harrison, the company's chief executive officer, told Fastmarkets in an interview.

Spot lithium prices in China continued on a precipitous downtrend, with battery-grade lithium carbonate prices trending below 100,000 yuan per tonne over the week to Thursday December 7, following increased volatility in the futures market and muted demand

The US Department of Treasury has released its definition of a Foreign Entity of Concern (FEOC) for the purposes of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) – and there are big implications for nickel.

China’s decision to impose export controls on synthetic and natural graphite has heightened the need for a European strategic partnership across the supply chain to develop security for these critical materials, according to the European Carbon and Graphite Association (ECGA)

China is once again flexing its proverbial muscles, imposing export controls on graphite and giving the Western world a reminder that it remains years ahead for certain aspects of the energy transition