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Lithium Prices Fall to 35-Month Low Amid Surging EV Sales

Lithium prices plunged below $13,000/ton in June 2024, the lowest in 35 months, according to S&P Global Commodity Insights data. This is despite plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) sales across major markets have surged for the first 5 months. 

Lithium Prices Hit New Lows 

Lithium is the key element in manufacturing electric vehicles. Though lithium prices saw a slight increase in March, they declined in June 2024, driven by anticipated reductions in downstream battery production. The seaborne lithium carbonate CIF Asia price fell to a 35-month low of $12,900 per ton by June 18. 

lithium prices June 2024

Source: S&P Global

Similarly, spodumene prices dropped by 9.5% to $1,050 per pound FOB-Australia, causing the merchant conversion margin to turn negative, averaging minus $118 per ton in June from $7,027 per ton in May.

Further decreases in spodumene prices are needed to prompt new mine-side supply cuts, last seen when prices fell below $900 per ton between mid-January and end-February.

Despite low prices, government interest in securing lithium production remains strong. Indonesia is emerging as a significant player in lithium chemicals production, integrating raw material-to-PEV supply chains. Chengxin started trial lithium chemical production in Indonesia in June, following the shipment of the first spodumene cargo from Port Hedland to Indonesia in May. 

Additionally, the Serbian government is considering greenlighting the Jadar lithium project by Rio Tinto, which was previously halted in January 2022. This project would be Europe’s largest integrated lithium mine-to-refinery operation. It has a capacity of 58,000 metric tons of lithium carbonate, helping meet the EU’s battery metals demand.

And it’s not the EU, the rest of the world is vying for lithium as the global economy is ramping up electrification in transport. 

Government Initiatives and Global Lithium Demand

In May 2024, PEV sales across key markets increased by 14.7% month-over-month and 25.9% year-over-year for the first five months, per S&P Global report. 

China dominated, contributing nearly 90% of this growth, buoyed by new model launches and price discounts. Conversely, Germany and Norway saw declining sales, negatively impacting Europe’s top markets.

PEV sales growth in 2024

Source: S&P Global

In Europe and the US, PEV adoption is stalling due to the higher costs of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) despite brand discounts. Germany’s BEV sales dropped by 15.9% year-over-year after the environmental bonus ended in December 2023. BEV sales in the UK comprised 16% of total car sales but missed the 22% target under the 2024 zero-emissions vehicle mandate. 

In the US, PEV sales have remained at 8%-10% of vehicle sales in 2024, consistent with late 2023 levels. More affordable models, especially in the $20,000 range, are needed to boost uptake in these markets.

From July 4, the EU will impose tariffs on imported BEVs from China, increasing up to 48.1% from the current 10%. The bloc aims to protect the European automotive industry and encourage local BEV production. However, this move might hinder the EV transition. 

Between 2020 and 2023, BEV imports from China to the EU rose sevenfold. They’ve reached over 437,800 units in 2023, representing 28% of the 1.5 million BEVs sold in the bloc. These imports contained significant amounts of lithium carbonate equivalent (21,300 metric tons).

Accordingly, the EV revolution hinges on how the lithium market is moving forward and its forecasts.

Future Outlook for Lithium Market

Lithium prices have not shown signs of sustained recovery as the first half of 2024 ends. China’s reserve-buying of cobalt metal in May provided only short-lived support. Prices reached new multi-year lows in June due to summer’s downturn in battery demand and growing supply. 

So, what’s in store for lithium in the coming months and years?

According to S&P Global lithium market outlook, prolonged low lithium carbonate prices are likely to pressure spodumene prices, potentially leading to further mine supply cuts and project delays. 

Despite strong copper prices supporting cobalt by production and growing mine-side inventory, reduced consumer demand for PEVs has prompted many manufacturers to slow their EV targets and cancel new battery plants, like BMW’s €2 billion contract with Northvolt AB.

Higher import tariffs on China-made BEVs could slow EV transition in the EU and the US by making vehicles more expensive. The outcome of EU-China trade negotiations is crucial, as Europe balances relations with China and the US. The latter’s tax credits and funding attracting investments away from Europe, which is still building its support system.

Market surpluses for lithium would be larger in 2024, with forecasts of 38,000 metric tons LCE. Consequently, the lithium carbonate CIF Asia price forecast has been downgraded by $290/t to $14,129/t.

lithium price forecast 2028

Source: S&P Global

A seasonal recovery in PEV sales is expected from September through year-end, which could narrow market surpluses and support prices. The long-term outlook for PEV uptake remains positive as automakers launch more affordable vehicles in the $20,000 range.

The future of the lithium market remains uncertain, with potential for further supply cuts and project delays. However, the long-term outlook for PEV uptake remains positive as automakers launch more affordable vehicles, potentially narrowing market surpluses and supporting prices.

The post Lithium Prices Fall to 35-Month Low Amid Surging EV Sales appeared first on Carbon Credits.

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Why Madsen Will Work This Time: A Smarter Start for a Legendary Gold Mine

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Why Madsen Will Work This Time

Disseminated on behalf of West Red Lake Gold Mines Ltd.

The Madsen Mine, located in Ontario’s renowned Red Lake gold district, has a legacy of high-grade gold production. Historically, this region has produced over 30 million ounces of gold, proving its geological richness and mining potential. However, previous attempts to revive the Madsen Mine fell short due to operational inefficiencies and technical missteps. 

Today, under the leadership of West Red Lake Gold Mines Ltd. (WRLG), Madsen is setting up to succeed. With a clear plan, robust infrastructure improvements, and lessons learned from the past, this revitalized operation is poised to deliver results. 

Here’s why Madsen will work this time.

A Gold-Rich Region with Clear Rules for Success

Red Lake has long been recognized as one of the most prolific gold-producing regions in Canada. The geology is well understood, and successful mining here follows established rules of thumb. West Red Lake Gold Mines has embraced these principles to ensure Madsen’s success.

Madsen map

One critical factor is drilling density – how much drilling is done to really understand the deposit before mining it. The previous operator tried to mine the deposit using drill holes about 20 meters apart. This method didn’t work well for Red Lake’s narrow vein deposits. 

The rule of thumb in this region is 7-meter spacing to define a resource for mining accurately. West Red Lake Gold has followed this standard to define the tonnes it will mine in the first 18 months, with 90,000 metres of drilling already done. It will keep doing this definition drilling for Madsen’s entire lifespan. This commitment ensures precise resource estimation and minimizes risk during production.

Proactive Development: Building Access for Efficiency

Mining narrow vein high-grade deposits requires proactive planning and development. A key lesson from past operators is the need to access multiple work areas at the same time. This means driving tunnels to mining areas is planned 6 to 12 months. The tunnels are used first for definition drilling and then for mining.

West Red Lake Gold has been developing access at Madsen for over 1.5 years already. This approach ensures that drilling and mining operations can proceed smoothly across several areas at any given time. 

By jumping in and getting access development done, the company has mitigated challenges that previously hindered deposit model accuracy and productivity at Madsen and set the stage for sustainable operations.

WRLG deposit and development

Infrastructure Upgrades: Efficiency at Every Level

Operational efficiency is essential for modern mining success. So WRLG made significant investments in upgrading Madsen’s infrastructure. The prior operator built the mine on a tight budget, leaving several critical projects incomplete. These omissions led to inefficiencies that hampered productivity.

West Red Lake Gold tackled these issues directly by finishing important infrastructure projects. These projects boost efficiency throughout the mine:

  • Connection Drift: An underground highway to move material smoothly within the mine.
  • On Site Camp: Quality accommodation facilities to attract and retain good staff.
  • Mine Dry Facility: Enlarging spaces for workers to prepare for shifts.
  • Maintenance Shop: Enabling proper equipment upkeep for higher availability.
  • Primary Crusher Upgrade: Improving rock processing capacity.
  • Tailings Dam Lift: Setting up waste management capabilities proactively.

These upgrades have made Madsen more efficient. Now, it can handle modern production needs and reduce downtime.

Operational Readiness: Building for Success 

Mines are complex systems that require careful preparation before full-scale operations can begin. West Red Lake Gold understands this and has prioritized building out, testing, and refining each component of Madsen’s operations before starting production at full capacity.

The company has made significant progress in preparing Madsen Mine for its restart. Underground development rates are steadily increasing, ensuring access to multiple mining areas. Also, mining operations have achieved consistent accuracy while daily tonnage has risen as planned. 

WRLG average development per day

The mill, restarted after 28 months of dry shutdown, has operated smoothly following extensive pre-commissioning efforts. A high-grade ore stockpile is growing toward the 30,000-tonne goal, providing over a month of operational flexibility. 

Safety remains a top priority, with a strong culture reinforced across the workforce. Additionally, over 200 personnel have been hired, ensuring the mine is staffed for efficient operations.

This focus on operational readiness means testing equipment, systems, and processes. The company wants to ensure they are reliable from day one. By addressing potential issues during the preparation phase, WRLG cut risks associated with startup delays or inefficiencies.

Lessons From the Past

Notably, restarting Madsen brings important lessons from past operators. A key takeaway is the need to align operational strategies with the unique characteristics of narrow vein deposits in Red Lake. 

West Red Lake Gold’s adherence to best practices—such as tighter drill spacing and proactive access development—demonstrates its commitment to overcoming past challenges.

Also, the company has improved infrastructure and operational readiness. This has fixed issues that previously hurt productivity at Madsen. These measures not only enhance efficiency but also position the mine for long-term success.

A New Era for Madsen

Under West Red Lake Gold Mines, Madsen Mine is entering a new era defined by strategic planning, operational excellence, and sustainability. Madsen is now equipped to succeed where others struggled by addressing past shortcomings:

  • Insufficient drill spacing,
  • Lack of access to development, and
  • Incomplete infrastructure.

The company takes a proactive approach that helps ensure accurate resource estimates. Its investments in infrastructure and readiness further support efficient production. WRLG’s focus on sustainability and responsibility in Madsen makes it a model for modern mining in Canada.

This time around, Madsen is set to work and thrive as Canada’s newest gold mine. With production slated to begin soon, stakeholders can look forward to a bright mining future driven by innovation, efficiency, and resilience.

DISCLAIMER 

New Era Publishing Inc. and/or CarbonCredits.com (“We” or “Us”) are not securities dealers or brokers, investment advisers or financial advisers, and you should not rely on the information herein as investment advice. West Red Lake Gold Mines Ltd. made a one-time payment of $30,000 to provide marketing services for a term of 1 month. None of the owners, members, directors, or employees of New Era Publishing Inc. and/or CarbonCredits.com currently hold, or have any beneficial ownership in, any shares, stocks, or options in the companies mentioned. This article is informational only and is solely for use by prospective investors in determining whether to seek additional information. This does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. Examples that we provide of share price increases pertaining to a particular Issuer from one referenced date to another represent an arbitrarily chosen time period and are no indication whatsoever of future stock prices for that Issuer and are of no predictive value. Our stock profiles are intended to highlight certain companies for your further investigation; they are not stock recommendations or constitute an offer or sale of the referenced securities. The securities issued by the companies we profile should be considered high risk; if you do invest despite these warnings, you may lose your entire investment. Please do your own research before investing, including reading the companies’ SEDAR+ and SEC filings, press releases, and risk disclosures. It is our policy that information contained in this profile was provided by the company, extracted from SEDAR+ and SEC filings, company websites, and other publicly available sources. We believe the sources and information are accurate and reliable but we cannot guarantee it.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT AND FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information generally can be identified by words such as “anticipate”, “expect”, “estimate”, “forecast”, “planned”, and similar expressions suggesting future outcomes or events. Forward-looking information is based on current expectations of management; however, it is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information in this news release and include without limitation, statements relating to the plans and timing for the potential production of mining operations at the Madsen Mine, the potential (including the amount of tonnes and grades of material from the bulk sample program) of the Madsen Mine; the benefits of test mining; any untapped growth potential in the Madsen deposit or Rowan deposit; and the Company’s future objectives and plans. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

Forward-looking information involve numerous risks and uncertainties and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking information. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, market volatility; the state of the financial markets for the Company’s securities; fluctuations in commodity prices; timing and results of the cleanup and recovery at the Madsen Mine; and changes in the Company’s business plans. Forward-looking information is based on a number of key expectations and assumptions, including without limitation, that the Company will continue with its stated business objectives and its ability to raise additional capital to proceed. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Additional information about risks and uncertainties is contained in the Company’s management’s discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2024, and the Company’s annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2024, copies of which are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

The forward-looking information contained herein is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. Forward-looking information reflects management’s current beliefs and is based on information currently available to the Company. The forward-looking information is made as of the date of this news release and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise such information to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required by applicable law.

For more information on the Company, investors should review the Company’s continuous disclosure filings that are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Please read our Full RISKS and DISCLOSURE here.

The post Why Madsen Will Work This Time: A Smarter Start for a Legendary Gold Mine appeared first on Carbon Credits.

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CEO Selwyn Duijvestijn on RTL7: DGB Group enters new phase as listed company

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DGB Group (Euronext: DGB) stands at a defining crossroads in its corporate journey. Where just a few years ago the company was focused on restructuring and resolving legacy challenges, it is now demonstrating real momentum: audited financial results, commercial traction in the voluntary carbon market, and a strong pipeline of international nature restoration projects. In a recent interview on RTL7–a Dutch television channel known for its business and financial programming–CEO Selwyn Duijvestijn offered a candid reflection on this progress. This article highlights the key takeaways.

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A Battery ‘2X Better’ than Tesla’s Is Reshaping the $90B Home Power Storage Market

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Disseminated on behalf of StorEn.

Demand for home energy storage is booming, with up to 47% of US homes expected to have rooftop solar installations by 2050. But there’s one major flaw: the batteries powering those systems don’t last. 

That’s why StorEn has created a home battery with the potential to last twice as long as Tesla’s Powerwall (the current market leader). 

Here’s why investors need to watch this company. 

How StorEn Is Solving the Home Battery Problem

Most home battery systems, including Tesla’s Powerwall, rely on lithium-ion technology. These batteries degrade quickly, pose safety risks, and create environmental waste. They typically need replacement every 5–10 years and aren’t built for long-term use. They can also burn for days when disaster strikes, releasing toxic fumes, as we saw in the recent California wildfires. 

That’s why the most advanced power plants in the world have been using vanadium flow technology. It’s the same reliable, low-risk battery tech that powers major cities around the world today. 

No one has been able to scale vanadium flow tech down to the residential level. But StorEn is doing it with their first-of-its-kind vanadium flow battery for homes. Instead of 10 years, it’s built to last 20. It’s also small enough to fit inside a garage, with a non-flammable and 100% recyclable design. 

Why StorEn Is A Major Energy Disruptor

The residential energy storage market is expected to surpass $90 billion by 2033, and lithium-ion batteries simply aren’t sustainable enough to meet demand. 

That’s why, while Tesla’s Powerwall holds 62% of the market, StorEn is a prime contender to dominate in the rise of home energy storage. 

Not only can StorEn power homes for up to 20 years, but their solution also unlocks major commercial potential in the telecom and microgrid markets. 

Amid this once-in-a-generation shift in energy, StorEn has all the pieces to thrive. What’s more, they have the track record to prove it. 

StorEn Is Proving Themselves As We Speak

With a pipeline of $11M+ in forecasted revenue and a community of 9,000+ investors already, StorEn is on track to become the leader in long-duration home energy storage.

The company is led by pioneers in energy storage and battery chemistry, including CEO Angelo D’Anzi, a 23-year veteran in fuel cell and electrolyzer development. Angelo himself holds 18 WIPO patents in Vanadium Flow Batteries and Fuel Cells.

Now, this team has patented a vanadium flow battery compact enough to power homes—with the same durability and reliability trusted by cities and industrial plants.

And you have an opportunity to join them.

Why Now Is the Time to Invest in StorEn

As clean energy adoption grows, the need for longer-lasting, safer, and more sustainable batteries is becoming urgent. 

StorEn has raised $12.5M from 9,000+ investors and is preparing for global expansion.

As lithium supply chains face pressure and investors seek genuine innovation, StorEn’s vanadium flow technology offers the long-term solution the market has been anticipating.

Become a StorEn shareholder as they redefine energy storage.

This is a paid advertisement for StorEn’s Regulation CF offering. Please read the offering circular at https://invest.storen.tech/


Disclosure: Owners, members, directors, and employees of carboncredits.com have/may have stock or option positions in any of the companies mentioned: None.

Carboncredits.com receives compensation for this publication and has a business relationship with any company whose stock(s) is/are mentioned in this article.

Additional disclosure: This communication serves the sole purpose of adding value to the research process and is for information only. Please do your own due diligence. Every investment in securities mentioned in publications of carboncredits.com involves risks that could lead to a total loss of the invested capital.

Please read our Full RISKS and DISCLOSURE here.

The post A Battery ‘2X Better’ than Tesla’s Is Reshaping the $90B Home Power Storage Market appeared first on Carbon Credits.

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