On September 9, 2024, China Minmetals Corporation unveiled its strategy to establish a significant joint venture in Qinghai province, northwestern China. The state-owned enterprise aims to form a 10 billion yuan ($1.41 billion) company in collaboration with local entities, focusing on lithium and potassium resources.
The new entity, provisionally named China Salt Lake Industry Group, is set to acquire a 12.54% stake in Qinghai Salt Lake Industry Co Ltd, becoming its controlling shareholder. This move aligns with China's efforts to secure critical mineral resources and reduce dependence on imports.
China Minmetals plans to invest 5.3 billion yuan in the venture, partnering with Qinghai state-owned Assets Investment Management and Qinghai Assets Supervision and Administration Commission. The joint enterprise will concentrate on mining, exploration, and the production of lithium chemicals and other battery materials.
Qinghai province, particularly the Qaidam Basin, is renowned for its abundant lithium and potassium deposits in salt lakes. This region has been actively developing its lithium industry, capitalizing on the growing global demand for these resources. Salt lake lithium extraction is considered more environmentally friendly compared to traditional hard-rock mining methods.
The formation of this joint venture is a strategic move to enhance China's national security in terms of critical resources. Lithium and potassium play crucial roles in various industries, including electric vehicle batteries, solar power panels, and fertilizers. As the world's largest consumer of lithium for electric vehicle batteries, China is positioning itself to meet the increasing demand driven by the rapid growth of the new energy vehicle sector.
This initiative reflects China's broader strategy to develop a robust domestic supply chain for essential materials. The lithium-ion battery market is projected to experience significant growth in the coming years, primarily due to the increasing adoption of electric vehicles and renewable energy storage solutions.
By establishing a "world-class" production hub, the joint venture aims to strengthen China's position in the global lithium market. This move comes at a time when the demand for lithium is expected to surge, driven by the global transition towards cleaner energy sources and electric mobility.
The collaboration between China Minmetals, a major state-owned enterprise, and local authorities in Qinghai demonstrates the coordinated effort to leverage China's natural resources effectively. This approach aligns with the country's long-term goals of resource security and industrial development in strategic sectors.
As the project unfolds, it is expected to contribute significantly to the local economy of Qinghai province while bolstering China's capabilities in the production of critical battery materials. The success of this venture could have far-reaching implications for the global lithium supply chain and China's role in the evolving landscape of clean energy technologies.