Long term holder who has been pondering why the Korean, Japanese and western battery makers and EV manufacturers are not marketing the benefits of using spodumene in battery manufacturing as opposed to the cheap Chinese Lepidolite batteries? Surely there is a great story there to inform the masses who seem to be being bombarded with the cheap Chinese rhetoric. A quick request of AI came up with the following argument in favour of hard rock Spod. Sorry for the lengthy post but I'm keen to understand why this isn't being shouted from the rafters by the Non Chinese manufacturers or if it is, where?
Battery-grade lithium requires ultra-high purity and consistent quality to support the performance and safety of electric vehicle (EV) batteries. The source of lithium — whether from spodumene or lepidolite — significantly affects the final battery quality, cost, and environmental footprint.
Why Spodumene is the preferred source.
Factor
Spodumene
Lepidolite
1
Lithium Content
High (~6–7% Li₂O)
Low (~1–2% Li₂O)
2
Refining Complexity
Moderate, proven process
High – complex, costly, less scalable
3
Battery-Grade Purity
Easier to achieve
Requires extra purification
4
Battery Performance
Stable, long-lasting, energy-dense
Prone to faster degradation & impurities
5
Cost Efficiency
Lower total cost at scale
Higher OPEX, lower yields
6
Environmental Impact
Lower per tonne of lithium
Higher emissions & chemical waste
Battery-grade lithium requires ultra-high purity and consistent quality to support the performance and safety of electric vehicle (EV) batteries. The source of lithium — whether from spodumene or lepidolite — significantly affects the final battery quality, cost, and environmental footprint.
Consequences of Using Low-Quality Lithium (e.g., Lepidolite) Shorter EV battery range and lifespan Higher safety risks (e.g., overheating or thermal runaway) More costly refining and waste generation Greater regulatory risk and higher warranty costs Lower production yield, raising costs and carbon footprint.
Benefits of Using High-Quality Spodumene-Based Lithium. Higher-performing batteries with longer lifespan Lower manufacturing and refining costs Cleaner environmental profile Established processing infrastructure and supply chains. More consistent quality for automotive-grade lithium standards
Conclusion Spodumene-derived lithium is the gold standard for EV battery production — offering the purity, reliability, and scalability manufacturers need. Relying on lower-grade materials like lepidolite compromises battery integrity, raises costs, and risks brand reputation. For sustainable and high-performance battery manufacturing, spodumene is the superior choice.
LTR Price at posting:
62.3¢ Sentiment: Hold Disclosure: Held
A personalised tool to help users track selected stocks. Delivering real-time notifications on price updates, announcements, and performance stats on each to help make informed investment decisions.
(20min delay)