Germany Chancellor plans lithium deal with Serbia after Rio ruling
Olaf Scholz plans to visit Serbia this week to secure supplies of lithium that are critical for the nation’s energy transition and auto industry.
The Doe Run Company had to declare force majeure at its lead smelter in Herculaneum, Missouri, after a fire at the plant.
The fire in the smelter’s electrical substation broke out in the early morning of March 20th. Firefighters rushed to the scene and were able to quickly extinguish the blaze; no injuries were reported. Doe Run said the smelter, which produces lead and byproducts from lead concentrates, is expected to be shut for 4-6 weeks:
“The damage to our Herculaneum plant’s substation is significant,” said Gary Hughes, general manager of Doe Run’s Primary Smelting Division. “We’ve identified the damaged equipment and have replacement parts ordered. We’re doing all that we can to expedite the process, but in the meantime our primary metal production is on hold.”
Doe Run will continue to produce recycled lead from its smelter in Boss, Mo.
