Environment officials and campaigners have called for a global moratorium on deep-sea mining and on issuing new exploration contracts unless marine ecosystems can be effectively protected.

The facility, to be built in Tuscaloosa, aims to tap into an increased focus from EV and cathode manufacturers across the US Southeast.

The 135-member “Albemarle Salar” union, which the company said comprises about half the workers at its Salar plant, went on strike in August.

The plant in Pomalaa, in Southeast Sulawesi province, is expected to produce 40,000 tonnes of mixed sulphide precipitate.

The success of either bid will put high-profile Ring of Fire nickel asset in Australian hands.

The German carmaker now has contracts for more than 20 billion euros of batteries, up from 12 billion euros previously.