(Ecofin Agency) - Lithium prices significantly dropped over the past two years,  due to a slower demand and oversupply. However, the long-term outlook for lithium producers remains optimistic, with projections indicating a potential shortage by 2030. This anticipated deficit is prompting substantial investments to boost production capabilities.

On December 12, 2024, Rio Tinto announced a $2.5 billion investment in a lithium mine in Argentina. The project is expected to yield up to 60,000 tonnes of battery-grade lithium carbonate annually. This move is part of a broader trend of major investments in the lithium sector, occurring despite the current drop in prices.

Last October, General Motors revealed a commitment of $625 million to develop one of the US’ largest lithium mines, the Thacker Pass project, in collaboration with Lithium Americas. The following month, Sayona Mining and Piedmont Lithium, respectively Australian and American, sealed a $623 million merger deal to consolidate their projects. Earlier, Rio Tinto had also announced a $6.7 billion acquisition of Arcadium, positioning itself as the third-largest lithium supplier globally.

These major deals come amidst challenging times for the lithium market; prices for hydroxide have plummeted nearly 90% since late 2022. Nevertheless, mining companies are banking on a more favorable long-term perspective, anticipating that the current supply surplus will eventually shift to a deficit that could drive up prices. The International Energy Agency (IEA) has highlighted a considerable gap between projected lithium demand and supply based on announced projects, which could lead to a shortfall exceeding 150,000 tonnes by 2030.

Despite these growing investments, analysts from Benchmark Mineral Intelligence assert that an additional $42 billion will be necessary within the lithium industry by 2030 to meet an expected demand of 2.4 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent. This underscores lithium’s critical role in the ongoing energy transition.

Emiliano Tossou

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