Lithium giant Socieded Quimica Y Minera (SQM) will take the unusual step of applying a retail-style brand to the lithium hydroxide it will produce in Australia in partnership with Kidman Resources, in a bid to ensure it can attract price premiums from battery manufacturers.

The Chilean company and ASX-listed Kidman have signed up blue-chip clients such as electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla to take the lithium hydroxide they plan to start producing at Mt Holland in Western Australia by early 2021.