The move has attracted skepticism as to whether Mexico can commercially extract its lithium.

Demand for lithium batteries in the United States is expected to grow more than six times.

Wesfarmers said the start of its lithium refinery has been pushed back to the first half of 2025.

Following a 45% rally in 2022, nickel has slumped 11% on the London Metal Exchange this year.

Global auto sales are worth around $2.5 trillion a year.

The French government has agreed to grant a 40 million euro loan to SLN.

Analysts estimate that the path to net zero may require digging up 5.2 billion metric tons of metals through 2050, which may be worth as much as $10 trillion.