Lithium prices jumped this week after battery giant CATL closed its Jianxiawo mine—a site that produces about 6% of global supply—while it waits on a permit renewal. (Bloomberg)
The three-month halt has traders betting Beijing could widen the pause to other regional mines as part of its push to rein in overcapacity. Futures in Guangzhou hit the daily 8% limit and lithium stocks around the world surged.