It is an essential resource for the ecological transition that is under pressure: lithium reaches exorbitant prices, due to the demand for car batteries. An American giant in the sector, Albemarle, warns of the tensions that weigh on supplies, at least for the decade.
His boss, Kent Masters, thus announces 7 to 8 years of tense lithium market. The American company has increased its margin forecasts three times this year, thanks to the rise in prices.
The ton is thus sold 358% more than a year ago. In question, the demands of car manufacturers, who want to ensure their supplies. General Motors recently invested $200 million in the United States, as did BMW, which supports start-up Lilac Solutions. Since June, Stellantis has trusted a German start-up, Vulcan.
But the market is structurally limited. Operations are concentrated in four countries: Australia, Chile, China and Argentina. Producers also deliver on average 25% less than their forecasts, due to technical problems. And the launch of new mines is long: from 6 to 19 years.
The demand for “white gold” is therefore much safer than the supply for the coming years… Unlike other metals such as cobalt, lithium is used in the composition of all battery models. According to the International Energy Agency, global demand could quadruple by 2030.
Source: BFM TV
