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Welcome to the December 2022 edition of the ‘junior’ lithium miners news. We have categorized those lithium miners that won’t likely be in production before 2024 as the juniors. Investors are reminded that many of the lithium juniors will most likely be needed in the mid and late 2020s to supply the booming electric vehicle [EV] and energy storage markets. This means investing in these companies requires a higher risk tolerance and a longer time frame.
December saw slightly lower lithium prices and lots of good progress from the lithium juniors. We also saw a takeover offer from LAC for Arena Minerals.
Lithium price news
Asian Metal reported during the past 30 days, the 99.5% China lithium carbonate spot price was down 4.06% and the China lithium hydroxide price was down 3.77%. The Lithium Iron Phosphate (Li 3.9% min) price was down 2.43%. The Spodumene (6% min) price was down 1.45% over the past 30 days.
Benchmark Mineral Intelligence reported China lithium prices of (battery grade carbonate – RMB 557,500 ($80,275), hydroxide RMB 560,000 ($80,650), and Benchmark stated (paywalled): “Cathode manufacturers continued to work through inventory rather than purchasing new material whilst waiting for clarity over the price trend, weighing on demand for battery grade carbonate from converters……amid reports to Benchmark that consumers remain cautious about Q1 2023 EV sales expectations in China.”
Note: The lithium price falls in CNY were in…
