Cochilco said demand for lithium had been muted because of the pandemic, expected at around 75,000 tonnes, but would surge to 1.4 million tonnes by 2030.
The battery metals start-up is investing over $60 million to accelerate a program on the potential environmental impacts of collecting polymetallic nodules from the deep seabed.
Country gave mining companies an indefinite waiver to an export ban on cobalt hydroxide and carbonate, as well as tin, tungsten, and tantalum concentrates.
Recent accidents suggest the industry will struggle to meet Musk’s request for a large quantity of the metal produced in an “environmentally sensitive” way.