Any decision on whether to allow seabed mining needed to be "informed by science" and protect ecosystems while also weighing economic and social effects, according to the joint statement.

The funds will be used to build out a $3.5 billion recycling and re-manufacturing complex in Nevada.

The property covers part of the Salinas formation, where Brazil's only lithium producer CBL has been mining spodumene for almost 30 years.

While automotive usage is still rising, there’s been a sharp drop-off in buying from Chinese electronics.

President Lopez Obrador created LitioMX, formally known as Litio Para Mexico, by decree last August.

Lithium-rich countries, including Zimbabwe and Namibia, are trying to develop processing and refining industries.

Speculation has grown that Canada's Patriot Battery Metals may be an acquisition target.