[Lithium Extraction Technology Export Related]
On January 2, 2025, at 19:30, the Ministry of Commerce issued a "Notice on Adjustments to the Catalogue of Technologies Prohibited or Restricted from Export in China for Public Consultation," with feedback due by February 1, 2025. The notice mentioned the potential implementation of export restrictions on lithium extraction technology. The new export control regulations classify this technology under the restricted export category of the "Non-Ferrous Metal Smelting and Rolling Processing Industry," with the code: 083201X. Newly added control points:
9. Lithium Carbonate Production Technology from Spodumene Extraction
(1) Lithium Purification Solution-Based Lithium Carbonate Preparation Technology
(2) Carbonisation and Thermal Decomposition Purification Technology
(3) Mother Liquor Recycling Technology
(4) Continuous Production Automatic Control Technology
(5) Lithium Hydroxide Carbonisation Technology
10. Lithium Hydroxide Production Technology from Spodumene Extraction
(1) Lithium Purification Solution-Based Lithium Hydroxide Preparation Technology
(2) Sodium-Freezing Separation Technology
(3) Evaporation Crystallisation Technology
(4) Continuous Production Automatic Control Technology
(5) Crushing and Drying Technology
11. Lithium Metal (Alloy) and Lithium Material Preparation Technology
(1) Multi-Anode Electrolysis Technology
(2) Lithium Metal Distillation Purification Technology
(3) Lithium Metal (Alloy) and Lithium Material Rolling Processing Technology
12. Direct Lithium Extraction Technology from Raw Brine
(1) Adsorbent Material Synthesis Technology (Aluminum-Based, Titanium-Based, Manganese-Based)
(2) Brine Adsorption Lithium Extraction PID Process, Adsorption and Membrane Integration Supporting Equipment Technology
13. Lithium Purification Solution Preparation Technology
(1) Ion Exchange Impurity Removal Technology
(2) Removal of B, Ca, K, Na, S from Lithium-Containing Solutions
Sigma Lithium Exceeds Production Target, New Mine Receives Environmental Approval
On December 30, 2024, Sigma Lithium announced that it had exceeded its Q4 production target, producing 75,000 mt of spodumene concentrates, bringing its total annual production and sales to approximately 240,000 mt. The company expects to surpass its 2025 production target of 270,000 mt. Recently, Sigma delivered 23,000 mt of lithium products to IRH Global Trading LTD in Abu Dhabi, with the transaction price linked to 8.25% of the GFEX battery-grade lithium carbonate price. Additionally, Sigma's Barreiro mine in Minas Gerais, Brazil, received a Triple Environmental License, which became effective following unanimous approval by regulatory authorities, ensuring long-term operations and integration with its Greentech plant for production.
