Today
Taxpayer cash revives $105m lithium refinery project
The Albanese government’s floundering plan to grow a domestic mineral processing industry has been boosted by the revival of a stalled lithium phosphate project
- Peter Ker
This Month
Investors fear Chinese mine restart puts lithium resurgence in danger
CATL, the world’s largest electric vehicle battery manufacturer, is restarting its major Jiangxi operation, a move which could keep prices depressed.
- Elouise Fowler
January
Liontown Resources beats expectations amid lithium rout
Lithium miners have struggled through a bear market for the battery mineral, driven by weaker-than-expected sales of EVs and strong supply from new mines.
- Elouise Fowler
IGO warns of processing losses as lithium stockpile grows
The ASX-listed miner says the Kwinana plant it owns with a major Chinese group has fallen into the red after failing to find customers for its battery minerals.
- Mark Wembridge
Ioneer gets $1.6b loan to build Nevada lithium mine
The Australian miner received the loan from the Biden administration to create the first new lithium mine in the US in almost 60 years.
- Matthew Cranston
Global Lithium chair rejects board revamp over foreign influence fears
Two directors have shut down an attempt by a rival to seize control of the WA critical minerals explorer, pledging to vote against proposals at its delayed AGM.
- Mark Wembridge
Spotlight falls on outliers as miners embrace paid parental leave
Miners are sweetening benefits to attract female employees. Yet Macmahon, a major employer, is resisting paid time off for new parents.
- Elouise Fowler and Mark Wembridge
Resources fundies reveal top picks ahead of ‘stellar’ 2025
Some portfolio managers are chasing the elusive surge in copper stocks or braving the lithium sector, while others plan to ride the rally in bauxite and silver prices.
- Alex Gluyas
December 2024
ASX slips; Gold miners’ silver lining; China’s new stealth aircraft
Read everything that’s happened in the news so far today.
Inside Rio Tinto’s all out war to unlock Serbia’s lithium riches
The mining giant has been trying to develop the resource rich Jadar Valley for two decades. So why is it persisting in the face of intense opposition?
- Updated
- Hans van Leeuwen
Rio Tinto’s $10.7b lithium takeover wins shareholder approval
Chief executive Jakob Stausholm got an early Christmas present when Arcadium Lithium investors voted to accept his acquisition offer.
- Peter Ker
Lithium piles up at IGO’s WA refinery as demand slows
The miner is struggling to find customers for its battery material, as dismal prices cause a logjam of the product at its Kwinana plant.
- Mark Wembridge
Rio Tinto sinks $3.9b into Argentina lithium project
Rio Tinto has doubled down on its lithium bet with a big investment in its Rincon lithium brine project, months after agreeing to buy Arcadium Lithium.
- Elouise Fowler and Mark Wembridge
MinRes asks for gag order on former executive to be lifted
The request, agreed to by the Federal Court, means the company’s board can obtain its own advice and regulators can access previously confidential documents.
- Mark Di Stefano
Lithium bear market tipped to intensify in 2025
Bank of America has slashed its forecasts for the battery mineral and also warns that iron ore could fall to $US75 a tonne. But there is one commodity that the broker is tipping will go on a tear next year.
- Updated
- Alex Gluyas
November 2024
WA unveils $150m lithium rescue package
The West Australian government has unveiled a $150 million rescue package for the state’s struggling lithium sector.
- Tom Rabe and Mark Wembridge
Embattled Ellison a no-show at MinRes-backed Delta AGM
Billionaire MinRes founder Chris Ellison avoided Delta Lithium’s shareholder meeting after quitting as chairman of the mining junior on Monday.
- Mark Wembridge and Elouise Fowler
Chris Ellison quits as Delta Lithium chairman ‘effective immediately’
The businessman said he was leaving the junior explorer to focus on Mineral Resources, where he intends to quit as managing director within 18 months.
- Peter Ker
Ellison reveals ‘dark cloud’ in MinRes’ day of reckoning
The billionaire founder presented a mix of contrition and defiance over the company’s governance scandals at the shareholder meeting on Thursday.
- Mark Wembridge and Peter Ker
MinRes named the best stock to ride 2025 lithium bull run
Morningstar says now is the time to pile back into these shares before prices of the battery material go on a tear next year.
- Alex Gluyas