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CATL Halts Yichun Lithium Mine After Permit Expiry

The move underscores Beijing’s drive to rein in excess EV battery output through stricter local audits

Overview

  • CATL suspended operations at its Jianxiawo (Yichun) lithium mine after its August 9 permit expired and said it will resume production once renewal is approved
  • Lithium carbonate futures on the Guangzhou exchange hit the 8% daily limit and shares of key producers such as Albemarle and SQM surged double digits
  • Analysts at Morgan Stanley and others warn the outage could erode a modest 2025 surplus of about 60,000 tonnes and bring short-term upside risk to prices
  • Yichun regulators have ordered eight local miners to submit detailed reserves reports following compliance audits, signaling broader enforcement across the region
  • Unnamed sources indicate the suspension may last at least three months, though neither CATL nor authorities have confirmed that timeline