The company is aiming to produce battery-grade nickel and cobalt and precursor chemicals for the cathode component of the batteries for North America.

In 2019, the electric carmaker acquired Canada-based Hibar, which manufactures pumps used in fast-speed battery assembly that Tesla is introducing for its new 4680 cells.

A British magnet factory could be built by 2024 and eventually produce 2,000 tonnes a year of rare earth magnets, enough to supply about 1 million EVs.

Albemarle plans to start sales from a new plant in Chile early 2022 and from an expansion in Western Australia around the middle of the year.

In mining, grade is king.

The plan calls for a multi-phased approach, and work will include a new slurry preparation plant and expansion of other circuits at the mill.

It’s not just car buyers that may feel the pinch.