Digging up the next big thing for EVs
‘Thinking big and acting small’ is the motto behind NextSource’s plan to parlay a Madagascar mine into a diversified critical minerals company
China dominates huge portions of the mining supply chain for electric batteries. In copper, for instance, a key element for all electric vehicles (EVs), it controls less than 10% of mining production. But coupled with refining capacity, that relatively modest market share increases to 50%, according to data collected by the Financial Times.
In lithium, another crucial ingredient in battery manufacture, China controls 10% of the metal’s production but 65% of the total supply chain when refining capacity is added. For other, equally important minerals such as rare earths, the dominance is almost total. In graphite, a mineral required to make anodes in batteries (copper and cobalt are used in cathodes), China controls 65% of primary mining output and 90% of processing capacity...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.