Key facts
- Australian lithium producer Liontown plans to increase output by over 50% by the 2030s.
- Lithium prices have recovered mid-year as inventories clear and Chinese battery demand improves.
- Australia's critical minerals industry is regaining footing, with export earnings forecast to rise.
- Mineral Resources is also proceeding with expansion plans at its Mount Marion lithium site.
- Global lithium prices have quadrupled in the past six months, leading to hopes of reopening shuttered mines.
Australian lithium producers are expanding operations and considering reopening mothballed mines as prices for the key battery metal strengthen. Liontown has announced plans to boost its output by more than 50% by the 2030s, a move that reflects a broader recovery in the nation's critical minerals sector.
Lithium prices have seen a mid-year recovery, driven by improving demand from China's battery sector and the clearing of existing inventories. This rebound is reviving investor confidence in supply-chain resilience. Mineral Resources is also advancing expansion plans at its Mount Marion lithium site in Western Australia.
Globally, lithium prices have quadrupled in the past six months, fueling hopes that mines closed during a prolonged downturn could resume operations. Australia's critical minerals industry is expected to see export earnings rise from A$4.8 billion in 2024-25 to over A$6 billion by 2026-27, supported by stronger prices and steady output growth. Investment is returning to exploration programs for rare earths, nickel, and cobalt, aided by government facilities and international partnerships. Refining and mid-stream processing projects are also gaining momentum as Australia seeks to capture more value domestically. Despite competition from emerging suppliers, Australia maintains advantages in policy stability, ESG standards, and access to project finance.