Chinese regulators have approved reserve reports submitted by CATL and Gotion High-tech for lithium resources in Yichun, Jiangxi, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday.
CATL’s Jianxiawo mine, which suspended production in August due to the expiration of a key permit, is now a step closer to resuming operations after receiving reserve approval. The closure had contributed to a sharp increase in lithium carbonate prices.
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Gotion continued production during the review period and also secured approval from the Ministry of Natural Resources, according to the report.
The approvals were part of a broader requirement by Yichun authorities for eight lithium producers to submit reserve reports after an audit highlighted administrative gaps.
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Yichun, often referred to as Asia’s lithium capital, remains a crucial hub for producing lithium carbonate and iron phosphate, essential inputs for lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries widely used in electric vehicles.
