A key lithium mine operated by CATL is expected to resume production around the Chinese New Year in February, local media reported, following a shutdown in August that disrupted supply and pushed up lithium prices.
CATL’s Jianxiawo lithium mine in Yichun, Jiangxi province, is likely to restart operations around the Lunar New Year holiday, local outlet Jiemian reported on Tuesday, citing sources close to the company. The 2026 Lunar New Year falls on Feb. 17, with the holiday period running from Feb. 15 to Feb. 23.
CATL suspended production at the Jianxiawo mine on Aug. 10 after a key mining permit expired, triggering a sharp rise in lithium carbonate prices. The company said at the time it was actively processing its permit renewal application.
In late November, Bloomberg reported that CATL had drawn up preliminary plans to restart the mine as early as December, instructing suppliers and partners to prepare equipment, chemicals and personnel, and notifying refineries sourcing materials from the site.
Regulatory steps related to the restart have since progressed. Jiangxi’s natural resources authorities last month disclosed documents including a revenue assessment report tied to the transfer of mining rights at Jianxiawo. On Dec. 19, the city of Yichun released the first environmental impact assessment information disclosure for the project, Jiemian reported.
Lithium is a critical raw material for batteries, which account for a significant share of electric vehicle production costs. Lithium carbonate and iron phosphate are the main inputs for lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. Yichun, often referred to as the “Lithium Capital of Asia,” is one of China’s key lithium-producing regions.
Lithium prices have rebounded in recent months, gradually feeding through to battery costs. Earlier this month, Chinese battery startup Suzhou Deegares Energy Technology announced a 15% increase in battery product prices from Dec. 16, becoming the first domestic battery maker this year to publicly confirm a price hike.
