This year’s lithium price boom will prove more “durable” than the last and can withstand an “acceleration” of new lithium supply, according to the two Australian listed companies that struck a $4 billion battery minerals merger on Monday.

The combination of Orocobre and Galaxy Resources will create the world’s fifth biggest lithium producer by market capitalisation and one that is more diversified by product and geography, with ambitions of securing a place in the ASX100.