The lithium boom is coming: The new bubble?
By Steve James - Analysis
NEW YORKÂ |Â Mon May 25, 2009 9
8am EDT
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By Steve James - Analysis
NEW YORK (Reuters) - New vehicle emission standards will likely be a boon for everything from aluminum to new plastics, but the producers of lithium -- a mineral used in batteries that power new generation vehicles -- could be the big winners.
But while the few public companies that mine lithium will likely see surging revenue, they will also face the pressure that comes with all booms -- making supply meet ever-tightening availability.
Companies that mine lithium should see a long-term boost to their business, analysts said, although there are questions about whether there is enough lithium for all customers.
And some energy experts see the irony in lithium batteries replacing carbon-burning gasoline, since they believe
exploiting lithium could be just as destructive to the environment as pollution.
Lithium is generally mined from rock, but it can also be found in deposits in brine ponds. It comes mostly from one region -- the Andes mountains of Chile, Argentina and Bolivia, with some deposits in China. Chile's SQM is the world's largest producer, along with U.S. specialty chemical companies Rockwood Holdings Inc and FMC Corp.
Reading the posts. ... if a massive fill order comes in the" Market Manipulators" bash the stock down to scare people into selling?
RE: its mad... 5 to 10p is low in a few months. When the stuff gets sold whi knows where it will go.
The amount of gold China and Russia are hoarding.... it certainly will be a Rare Earth Metal
Cobalt and Graphite needed in large quantities for batteries. ... funny if other drilling sites provided this too! Still one things for sure Lithium is the new oil!