Partnerships & Diversification: Key Drivers of Resilience Within the Lithium Industry

N51
July 23, 2025
Partnerships & Diversification: Key Drivers of Resilience Within the Lithium Industry

According to an executive panel at the Fastmarkets Lithium Supply and Battery Raw Materials Conference (June 23-26 in Las Vegas, Nevada), lithium producers can achieve success despite current challenges. This will require strategic partnerships and ongoing investment in key areas, combined with strong underlying long-term demand fundamentals. Industry shifts had impacted pricing and margins, affecting investor confidence. However, the long-term demand outlook remains positive.

The current environment with low prices and growing demand for batteries is unsustainable but there is still optimism toward the industry going forward, according to the panelists.

“The market is at a pretty critical point, with capital being cut back, projects being curtailed and it’s going to rear its ugly face like the cycles normally do, probably sooner than later,” Lithium Americas’ President and Chief Executive Officer Johnathan Evans said, “it’s just a moment in time and a question around timing.”

According to Sarah Maryssael, Rio Tinto's lithium chief strategy officer, resilience stems from diversification across assets, customers, and end markets.

Rio Tinto's portfolio, built through the acquisition of Arcadium and subsequent Chilean acquisitions, enables them to serve multiple markets, leading to a resilient supply chain.

Sustained demand from global new energy markets means the next decade is critical for the lithium market. The rapid growth in electric vehicles continues to drive lithium demand, but this also tests the market's ability to expand supply.

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