China's lithium carbonate production totaled 98,200 tonnes, up 4.6% month-on-month. While a major lepidolite producer in Jiangxi reduced production due to raw material shortages, the resumption of operations at a spodumene-based producer after resolving feedstock issues contributed to the overall growth. Several new production lines commenced operations in central China, while most other producers maintained stable operations.
Source: Mysteel
Looking ahead, China's lithium carbonate production is estimated at 95,000 tonnes in January, a decrease of 3.2% compared to December. The delayed restart of CALT's Jianxiawo project has resulted in continued low operating rates for lepidolite production lines in Jiangxi, with a further declining trend observed in January. Some spodumene-based production lines are scheduled for maintenance in mid-to-late January, and lithium extraction enterprises at Qinghai's salt lakes have entered seasonal production reduction. Other production capacities remain stable, while the production schedule for recycled lithium has been lowered compared to December.
Written by Cora Ji, jiruyan@mysteel.com
