Lithium mining: ‘A new Bolivia’, says EnergyX CEO

The value of exports of the metal from Chile, one of the world's top producers of lithium, jumped 51 percent in the first seven months of the year.

For the International Energy Agency, having the Democratic Republic of Congo as the supplier of almost 60 per cent of the global production of cobalt is a risky business.

Short selling of shares in lithium miners SQM, Albemarle, Galaxy and Orocobre has ballooned this year, reflecting a sign of growing scepticism.

Company said first-half profit grew 12% to $4.42 billion, below the $4.53 billion forecast by analysts.

The world’s automakers “don’t worry about lithium supply anymore” – Simon Moores.

Demand for mining as well as oil and gas equipment is so strong that the company said it was taking orders for delivery well into 2019.

The bond had an annual interest rate of 4.5 per cent and a duration of 15 years, Calichera said in a note to the market regulator.

Chilean lithium miner SQM on Wednesday night announced the resignation of its chief executive Patricio de Solminihac.

Unexpected leadership changes within a day at the world’s two largest lithium producers underscore concerns over a lack of executive experience in the industry amid a nascent boom for the battery metal.