GreenergyDaily

Nov. 20, 2025

A key Chinese lithium mine run by Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. is preparing to reopen as soon as early next month.

The battery maker has formulated a preliminary plan to restart its Jianxiawo mine by early December, according to people familiar with the matter. The company has asked suppliers and partners to ready equipment, chemicals and workers, they said, as well as notifying the refiners that draw feedstock from the mine.

CATL’s preparations aren’t a guarantee that the mine will get regulatory approval. The people said the company’s schedule could be subject to change, and that they’re still awaiting sign-off from the authorities.

The fate of Jianxiawo, owned by the world’s biggest maker of batteries for electric vehicles, has fixated the industry in recent months. Production at the mine was suspended in August after CATL failed to get an extension on an expired permit.

The most-active lithium carbonate contract on the Guangzhou Futures Exchange has jumped over 10% this month, topping 100,000 yuan ($14,000) a ton earlier this week.