Because of China’s problems, market experts say the lithium triangle is one place South Korean and Japanese auto and battery makers can play catch-up. JOLTED OUT OF COMFORT ZONESSouth Korean and Japanese firms have relied largely on South American lithium, and formed longstanding relationships with producers there. Japanese and Korean companies have dipped a toe in backing new lithium mine developers, including in Latin America where Japanese carmaker Toyota invested in an Argentine lithium project. In February, a delegation of dozens of Japanese companies toured Argentine provinces that are home to most of that country’s lithium reserves. Authorities in Chile balked when Chinese lithium giant Tianqi moved to purchase a coveted 32 percent stake in Chile’s SQM, the world’s lowest cost producer.

Source: Indian Express April 07, 2018 08:01 UTC