Tracking of 8 domestic and international lithium carbonate projects

Domestic key lithium carbonate projects

1. Xinjiang Zhichun Lithium Industry - Lithium Carbonate Project

The first-phase 60,000-tonne battery-grade lithium carbonate project of Xinjiang Zhichun Lithium Industry, located in the New Materials Industrial Park of Ruoqiang County, was successfully commissioned in 2023. The company has announced an ambitious plan to expand its total production capacity to exceed 500,000 tonnes by 2025, positioning itself as a global leader in lithium salt production capacity.

In addition, its proprietary "One-Step Lithium Extraction" technology that reduces production costs by Yuan 8,000-10,000/t, significantly improving gross profit margins. Meanwhile, it also enhanced supply chain stability through increased proportion of self-owned mineral resources.

2. Zijin Mining - Lithium Polymetallic Project
The 60,000-tonne lithium carbonate project in Dao County, Yongzhou City, Hunan Province represents a joint investment of Yuan 5.856 billionby Zijin Mining, Eve Energy, and Ruifu Lithium. It's reported that the project was commencement on March 29, 2024, with the first-phase 30,000-tonne capacity scheduled for operation by June 2025. The project utilizes lithium polymetallic ore resources from Hunan's Xiangyuan deposit and it's expected annual output value of Yuan 4 billion upon reaching full production. Meanwhile, it can create 1,500 local employment opportunities.

3. Zijin Liyuan Material Technology - Lithium Carbonate Project

Zijin Liyuan, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Zijin Mining, is constructing an 80-mu facility in Shanghang County, Fujian Province for producing 25,000 tonnes of battery-grade lithium carbonate from crude lithium carbonate. With a total investment of Yuan 265 million, the project is progressing smoothly and has entered the ground construction phase, aiming to put into operation in December 2025.

This project relies on Zijin Mining's Argentine 3Q salt lake lithium carbonate and other industrial-grade lithium carbonate resources, using advanced and environmentally friendly carbonization+resin impurity removal technology to produce battery-grade lithium carbonate, which is applied to the company's self-produced LFP products, and is conducive to improving product consistency and qualification rate. After the project reaches production capacity, the annual output can reach 25,000 tonnes, and the expected annual operating income will reach Yuan 1.991 billion.

4. Ganfeng Lithium - Lithium Extraction Project
Ganfeng Lithium's spodumene-to-lithium conversion facility in Xuanhan County, Sichuan Province commenced operations in late 2024 and is currently in the production ramp-up phase in 2025. And it's expected to produce 45,000 tonnes of battery-grade lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide annually. And it's also the world's largest single-line spodumene conversion facility with the capacity of 25,000 tonnes per year.

In addition, the project also includes a retired lithium battery recycling and comprehensive utilization project with a total investment of Yuan 1 billion, as well as a 100,000-tonne lithium dihydrogen phosphate project in cooperation with Fulin Precision, forming a circular economy loop.

International Lithium Carbonate Projects

1. Tsingshan Holding Group - Argentina Salt Lake Project

Tsingshan Holding Group's lithium salt lake project in Argentina officially commenced production on July 3, 2024. As a crucial component of Tsingshan's global lithium resource strategy, the project is expected to achieve an annual production capacity of 24,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate by 2025.

2. Ganfeng Lithium - Argentina Salt Lake Project

Ganfeng Lithium's Cauchari salt lake project in Argentina is scheduled to put into operation in 2025, with Phase I designed for an annual production capacity of 40,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate. And Phase II expansion of the project is also under planning.

3. CATL - Bolivia Project

By the end of 2024, a consortium led by CATL partnered with Bolivia's state-owned lithium company YLB to develop two lithium carbonate plants in the Uyuni Salt Flat, with an annual capacity of 35,000 tonnes. This strategic move significantly strengthens China's foothold in South America's lithium-rich region.

4. Rio Tinto - Rincon lithium Project

Rio Tinto, global mining giant, approved a $2.5 billion expansion of its Rincon lithium project in Argentina in late 2024. Rincon's annual production capacity is planned 60,000 tonnes of battery-grade lithium carbonate, consisting of a 3,000-tonne start-up plant and a 57,000-tonne expansion plant. The expansion factory is planned to start construction in mid-2025, but it needs to get the permission. According to the plan, the expanded factory is expected to start production in 2028 and reach full capacity in three years.

Edited by Cassie Li, lixiangying@mysteel.com