CATL is preparing to resume operations at its Jianxiawo lithium mine in Yichun as early as next month, Bloomberg reported on Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter. The move comes as lithium carbonate prices in China experience sharp swings.
According to the report, the company has developed a preliminary plan to restart production in early December and has asked suppliers and partners to ready equipment, chemicals and personnel. CATL has also notified refineries that process raw materials from the mine. Bloomberg noted that the preparations “do not guarantee regulatory approval,” and that the plan may still change depending on final authorization from authorities.
CATL halted production at the mine on August 10 following the expiration of a key mining license, a suspension that briefly drove up lithium carbonate prices. At the time, the company said it was working actively on renewing the license. Bloomberg reported on September 30 that the mine had received reserve approval, bringing it a step closer to restarting operations. Earlier this month, CATL was informed of the mining rights fees required for the permit, marking another key step toward resumption.
Lithium remains one of the most important materials for battery manufacturing, representing a substantial share of costs in electric vehicles. Yichun, located in Jiangxi province, is among China’s largest lithium-producing regions and is often described as the “Lithium Capital of Asia.”
Lithium carbonate futures have shown significant volatility in the past week. On November 19, the most actively traded contract on the Guangzhou Futures Exchange briefly rose above RMB 100,000 ($14,060) per ton, its highest level since June 2024. On Thursday, the same contract fell by the 9 percent daily limit to close at RMB 91,020 per ton.
