Lithium market sees price rebounds and strong miner earnings

The lithium market has experienced significant price volatility. While some reports indicated battery-grade lithium carbonate prices dropped 10.3% month-on-month to an average of approximately RMB 140,000 per tonne, other market data shows a significant rebound in China's lithium carbonate and spodumene spot prices.

Key industry developments include a mine shutdown by CATL that threatens to create a market deficit, and strong first-half 2026 financial results for many producers. Notably, Zijin Mining reported a 68% jump in first-half profit due to higher metal prices. In Argentina, Eramet reached 90% of its nameplate production capacity in June, and Lithium Argentina finalized a $180 million joint venture investment from China's Ganfeng.