The Port Pirie smelter was shut in October for work to reduce emissions and improve operational performance.

Global lithium production surpassed 100,000 tonnes for the first time in 2021.

The country’s behemoth iron ore miners ended the year on a high as China’s abrupt Covid Zero reversal and a steady stream of supportive policies raised the outlook for demand. 

Analysts expect the spreading infections to continue curbing industrial activity in China in the near term.

Commodity research firm says production growth, weaker demand and negative sentiment in the industry will see iron ore, copper and industrial metals sink next year.

The acquisition is BHP’s largest since the $12.1 billion purchase of Petrohawk Energy in 2011.

Record spot prices will lift contract values for lithium miners next year but a surge in production to over 1 million tonnes by 2024 will put downward pressure on prices, according to a new government report.