Lithium
USGS estimates Appalachian lithium resources could offset U.S. imports for more than three centuries
Imeripotiwa na AI Picha iliyoundwa na AI Imethibitishwa ukweli
The U.S. Geological Survey says the Appalachian region contains an estimated 2.3 million metric tons of undiscovered, economically recoverable lithium—an amount it calculates could replace about 328 years of U.S. lithium imports at 2024 levels.
More than 800 residents in Magog village, KwaZulu-Natal, may need to move as SA Lithium expands its Highbury mine. The company seeks to enlarge its pit and waste areas, affecting homes near Port Shepstone.
Imeripotiwa na AI
Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe exported the first lithium sulphate produced on the continent from its Arcadia mine near Harare last month. The shipment follows a government ban on raw mineral exports introduced in February.
Following Chile's Comptroller General's approval earlier this month, Codelco and SQM on December 27, 2025, finalized their public-private partnership by creating Nova Andino Litio SpA through the merger of subsidiaries Minera Tarar SpA and SQM Salar SpA. The new entity, with majority state ownership, will handle lithium exploration, exploitation, production, and sales in the Salar de Atacama until 2060. The board, comprising three representatives from each company, convenes for its first session on December 29.
Imeripotiwa na AI
Chile's Comptroller General approved the Codelco-SQM agreement for lithium extraction in the Salar de Atacama from 2031 to 2060, subject to conditions to be met by December 31, 2025. Finance Minister Nicolás Grau called it a historic deal that will double lithium production this decade and make Codelco a global leader. Officials highlight benefits for Chile's energy transition and regional sustainability.