@Bikesbeersfooty, "...The delay is more likely due to them being...

@Bikesbeersfooty, "...The delay is more likely due to them being a big slow to move company."
This is my take also.
Whilst some love a good conspiracy theory, it most cases of delays it due to lack of resources/experience/personnel.
While Glencore is massive, I was surprised to note in their most recent 2023 Annual Report and 2024-2026 Climate Action Plan (published 20/03/2024), very few references to lithium.
In fact, their CAP doesn't even include it in 'their metals'!

Their annual report makes mention of it only in passing comment on metal sector performance or in relation to GLEN's investment in Li-Cycle:


My guess is their lithium team is still learning/under-resourced, plus they've got some other pretty big things on their plate, like
* G7 today agreed to exit thermal coal by 2035
* Indecision over their plans to spinoff their coal assets (they are the world's largest shipper of thermal coal, and it is one of their most profitable units)

Agree the time taken for a company of their stature to complete their DD on Galan is pathetic, but understandable from a company macro perspective.
The G7 agreement to me spells 'hurry up' to GLEN to get energy transition metals on their books ASAP!