Rio Tinto in July committed $2.4 billion to its Jadar project as global miners push into metals needed for the green energy transition.

Smartphones can carry ~80% of the stable elements on the periodic table.

Czech Republic is also hoping to start lithium mining from deposits on the north-western border with Germany.

Afghanistan's unexplored mineral deposits may include the world’s largest lithium reserves.

SQM shareholder Julio Ponce said the object of the share sale was "to strengthen the capital structure" of the company.

Canada has low-carbon mineral production, and added supply chain security because of its proximity to the US.

The plant will produce 25,000 tonnes of cobalt sulphate per year.

The moves to support production of rare earth permanent magnets would mirror legislation introduced in the United States earlier this month.