EV/Lithium, page-592

...Tesla and Western car makers don't buy African lithium?

...Lithium is not Iron Ore. We (Australia) have 'control' over iron ore market. But in the lithium market, everyone has to compete against supplies coming from across the world.

...Only the cheapest and fittest survive.

...I think state-subsidised lithium jurisdiction has the advantage over free market because their mines are viewed by their countries as export earners and to provide desired employment. They are more well placed to sell at slightly above their marginal cost.
-----------
News Flash: So Tesla signs a 3-yr contract for the supply of #lithium by Yahua Group. For one thing, the Li is likely to come from Zimbabwe, Africa. For another, this will likely exert some pressure on the Chinese mkt to the extent that the Li will have to be shipped to the US.

https://x.com/jczuleta/status/1803490179333902709