The most-traded GFEX lithium carbonate contract turned bearish yesterday and gave up the gains in the previous two days. While the rebound earlier lacked solid support, the bears again took the lead. On the one hand, October 20 was the final day of the public notice for Jianxiawo lithium mine's environmental impact assessment acceptance. Barring any issues, the restart will proceed to the next step, with market rumors pointing to a resumption before end-November. On the other hand, TD Think Tank surveyed 46 mainstream battery firms and supply chain players. Cross-checking November pre-schedules against order books, it puts China's total lithium battery output schedule (storage + power + consumer) at about 323GWh in November, down 5.0% MoM, a pullback TD sees as "rhythmic" rather than a cyclical downturn. Yet, it dampened market confidence over the demand end.
