The bank, until now cautious in its predictions for the battery metal, has followed lithium enthusiasts with an optimistic set of forecasts.

Ghana's decision came with conditions, including halting the sale of the asset to China’s Chifeng Jilong Gold.

Agreement ends a year-long standoff over the gold mine's ownership and outlines plans to restart operations.

Mid-tier Australian gold miner will raise up to $496m to fund the acquisition of 30% of the mine.

Ivanhoe Mines chairman says mining companies will have to be “real heroes” and governments will have to accept the industry if the world is to successfully transition to clean energy.

"Nearly $16 trillion would have to go into green-focused infrastructure to achieve decarbonisation targets, compared to $10 trillion in China during last supercycle.”

Shareholders are demanding change from an industry whose reputation has been battered by deadly tailings failures.