The new exploration rights form a continuous block on the southwest border of Ivanhoe's existing Platreef mining rights at Turfspruit and Macalacaskop.
European business groups representing consumers oppose any restrictions against Russian aluminum, saying they could put thousands of companies out of business.
Sumitomo wants to start making materials for a cheaper type of battery -- containing no nickel -- that’s poised for global popularity after storming the world’s top EV market, China.