Global X Lithium & Battery Tech ETF (ARCA: LIT)

에 대한 최신 뉴스 Global X Lithium & Battery Tech ETF (ARCA:LIT)

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The fund invests at least 80% of its total assets in the securities of the underlying index and in American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) and Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs) based on the securities in the underlying index. The underlying index is designed to measure broad-based equity market performance of global companies involved in the lithium industry. The fund is non-diversified.

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소니 그룹(NYSE:SONY)과 혼다 자동차(NYSE:HMC)의 합작 전기차 벤처는 2026년 미국 시장 진출을 준비하면서 도널드 트럼프 대통령 당선인의 정책 변화로 인해 전기차 업계의 판도가 바뀔 것으로 예상되는 가운데 상당한 역풍에 직면해 있다.

소니·혼다 전기차의 꿈, 2026년 미국 출시 앞두고 트럼프 정책과 충돌

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최근 연구에 따르면 아칸소주가 전기차(EV) 배터리와 기타 첨단 제품에 필수적인 리튬을 상당량 보유하고 있을 가능성이 제기되었다.

아칸소주가 전기차 배터리 수요 증가에 따라 1천 9백만 톤의 리튬을 보유 중으로 예상

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LightInTheBox Holding Co., Ltd. American Depositary Shares, each representing twelve ordinary shares

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Saudi Arabia has unveiled a joint venture between the state oil company Aramco and the state mining company Ma'aden. The collaboration focuses on extracting <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/lithium" rel="noreferrer noopener">lithium</a>, a vital component in batteries for electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy storage, and electronics. Commercial production is expected by 2027.
"We expect that this partnership will leverage the world's leading upstream enterprise to apply significant low-cost advantages, industry experience, technological innovation, and an integrated supply chain ecosystem," <a target="_blank" href="https://www.aramco.com/en/news-media/news/2025/aramco-plans-transition-minerals-jv-with-maaden" rel="noreferrer noopener">said</a> Nasir K. Al-Naimi, Aramco's upstream president.
The venture aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, an ambitious economic transformation plan designed to reduce dependency on oil by developing sectors like mining, technology, and renewable energy.
Vision 2030 targets unlocking $2.5 trillion of mineral resources, including lithium, copper, and gold, while increasing mining's GDP contribution from $17 billion to $64 billion.
Demand for lithium has surged due to the global shift toward green energy. According to Aramco, domestic lithium needs could increase twenty-fold by 2030, supporting the production of 500,000 EV batteries and 110 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity.
The new joint venture aims to explore direct lithium extraction (DLE) technologies and tap into high-concentration deposits within the region. In contrast to traditional evaporation methods, DLE bypasses the need for lithium ponds, allowing faster extraction rates, minimized environmental impact, and reduced water consumption, which are crucial factors in arid climates.
The project also builds on Saudi Arabia's first successful lithium extraction from oilfield brine last December, which was conducted in collaboration with a local startup, Lihytec. Ma'aden is making strides in other commodities, unveiling promising gold and copper deposits at Wadi Al Jaww and Jabal Shayban.
Ma'aden CEO Bob Wilt <a target="_blank" href="https://www.maaden.com.sa/en/news/details/602" rel="noreferrer noopener">noted</a> that these findings are part of one of the world's largest single-jurisdiction exploration programs. "We are committed to establishing mining as the third pillar of the Saudi economy, in line with Vision 2030," he stated.
Strengthening domestic copper production is a priority since the country imports most of its copper—365,000 tons annually. While this demand could double by 2035, the country might secure some of this increasingly important metal from Pakistan as it <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/m-a/24/04/38336936/saudi-arabia-near-deal-for-stake-in-gold-copper-mine-project-in-pakistans-troubled-province" rel="noreferrer noopener">evaluates a stake</a> in Barrick Gold's Reko Diq project.
Price Watch: Global X Lithium &amp; Battery Tech ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LIT#NYSE">LIT</a>) is up 0.79% year-to-date.
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Saudi Arabia Advances Lithium Plans, Looks Beyond Oil For Commodity Diversification

KoBold Metals, the AI-driven mining startup backed by Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos, has secured $537 million in its Series C funding round. The latest funding round gives the Berkeley-based company a valuation of $2.96 billion and fresh capital to pursue ambitious goals in the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/commodities" rel="noreferrer noopener">critical minerals sector</a>.
Durable Capital Partners LP and T. Rowe Price funds led the round, alongside contributions from existing investors such as Andreessen Horowitz Growth, Breakthrough Energy Ventures, and Mitsubishi Corporation, as well as new players like StepStone Group and WCM Investment Management.
This latest injection brings KoBold's total fundraising to $1 billion. The funds will accelerate exploration, develop high-potential projects, and enhance its R&amp;D capabilities.
KoBold's innovative approach relies on artificial intelligence to locate deposits of vital minerals such as copper, cobalt, lithium, and nickel. The company's proprietary technology aggregates data from sources like satellite imagery and historical drilling reports to create a detailed "Google Maps" of the Earth's crust, pinpointing untapped resources that traditional methods might miss.
Using this technology, KoBold discovered a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/02/36940360/kobold-metals-announces-historic-copper-discovery-in-zambia" rel="noreferrer noopener">substantial copper deposit</a> in Zambia's Copperbelt. The Dumbwa target, part of the Solwezi project, exhibited promising results, including drilling highlights of 16 meters at 1.24% copper. KoBold's $2 billion Mingomba site is set to produce at least 300,000 tons annually by 2030, making it Zambia's largest copper operation.
"About 40% of the new capital will go toward advancing existing projects into production, with Zambia receiving the lion's share," KoBold's CEO and co-founder Kurt House <a target="_blank" href="https://www.koboldmetals.com/news/mining-startup-kobold-metals-valued-at-2-96-bn-after-closing-537m-series-c/?aid=01" rel="noreferrer noopener">said</a> to the Financial Times.
With 60 active projects across continents, including partnerships with mining giants like BHP and Rio Tinto, the firm is ready to reshuffle the industry. House noted they plan to aggressively expand the team, particularly seeking data scientists, while expanding into new jurisdictions such as Finland and Botswana. The company also aims to go public within three to five years.
Despite changes in U.S. political leadership, House expressed confidence in bipartisan support for critical mineral initiatives. "There is very broad bipartisan support for diversifying [the] supply of critical minerals because this is a national security priority," he said.
U.S. foreign policy is aiding companies like KoBold. President Joe Biden's <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/emerging-markets/24/10/41416913/bidens-farewell-to-africa-strategic-motives-behind-first-and-only-presidential-visit" rel="noreferrer noopener">last official trip</a> to Angola discussed revitalizing the Lobito railway line to facilitate mineral transport across Angola, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Thus, firms like KoBold would benefit from better infrastructure while bolstering Western access to strategic resources and reducing reliance on China-dominated supply chains.
Read Next:
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Bill Gates And Jeff Bezos Backed Mining Startup Raises $537 Million, Targets Going Public In Few Years

Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum has announced a review of a controversial bill to ban <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/mining" rel="noreferrer noopener">open-pit mining</a>. Congress approved the bill in July after debating balancing environmental protection with economic priorities.
"Open-pit mining warrants a thorough review, as activities such as sand extraction for cement production and lithium mining—critical for national development—are conducted using this method. It is vital to assess the specifics of the constitutional reform's provisions," Sheinbaum <a target="_blank" href="https://www.gob.mx/presidencia/articulos/version-estenografica-conferencia-de-prensa-de-la-presidenta-claudia-sheinbaum-pardo-del-6-de-diciembre-de-2024?idiom=es" rel="noreferrer noopener">said</a>.
Mexico's mining industry is a pillar of its economy, accounting for around 8% of its industrial GDP. In 2022, mining exports totaled $17.6 billion, generating a trade surplus of $12.8 billion. It directly employs over 370,000 workers and supports millions more in related industries such as logistics and equipment manufacturing.
Large operating open-pit mines include Newmont's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NEM#NYSE">NEM</a>) Peñasquito and Southern Copper's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SCCO#NYSE">SCCO</a>) Buenavista. The ban would likely stop the San Nicolás copper-zinc project, a 50-50 partnership between Teck Resources (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TECK#NYSE">TECK</a>) and Agnico Eagle (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AEM#NYSE">AEM</a>).
CAMIMEX, Mexico's primary mining chamber, warned that an outright ban could reduce GDP by 1% and threaten nearly 200,000 jobs. Open-pit mining accounts for 60% of the country's mining production value and is critical for extracting key resources like gold, silver, copper and strategic minerals like lithium.
Under former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO), Mexico's mining sector faced heavy restrictions. In 2023, AMLO nationalized lithium, declaring it a strategic resource for Mexico's energy independence and banning new concessions for private companies.
He also established a state-run lithium company and canceled multiple existing concessions, triggering international arbitration disputes.
While the bill passed Congress during his administration, Sheinbaum took over in October, becoming the first female president.
Unlike AMLO, she faces economic difficulties at the beginning of her six-year term. Without foreign capital, it will be hard to provide quality jobs, education, and healthcare.
Meanwhile, El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele is pushing to go in the opposite direction. In 2017, his predecessor implemented a total mining ban to protect the country's water resources.
Still, Bukele, a famous Bitcoin advocate, claims that the untapped mineral reserves could transform the economy.
"We potentially have the largest gold deposits per square kilometer in the world," he <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/nayibbukele/status/1865129919870578791" rel="noreferrer noopener">stated</a>, arguing that responsible mining could generate $131 billion—equal to 380% of the country's GDP—from just 4% of identified reserves. Earlier this year, Bukele secured the second term, winning 84.65% of popular votes. With control over Congress, lifting the ban seems inevitable.
However, in contrast to Mexico, El Salvador is a small country, largely dependent on the Lempa River as a primary water source. Any large-scale operations, particularly in the gold-rich north of the country, could pollute this water flow and cause more problems for what it is worth.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/24/12/42475000/if-trump-starts-a-trade-war-canada-could-impose-export-taxes-on-oil-uranium-report" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">If Trump Starts A Trade War, Canada Could Impose Export Taxes On Oil, Uranium: Report</a></li>
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Mexico And El Salvador Ponder Different Mining Stances

The global lithium market is set to remain oversupplied, keeping the prices depressed, but this challenging situation for commodity producers could help battery makers ease the transition to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/electric-vehicles" rel="noreferrer noopener">electric vehicles(EVs)</a>.
Lithium prices have plummeted after soaring to $80,000 per ton in 2022, now trading below $10,000 per ton. The surplus stems from weaker-than-expected EV sales, aggressive production expansions, and strategic commitments by Chinese operators to maintain dominance in the global battery supply chain.
"There are some assets in production that shouldn't really be, but for their own reasons, they're ploughing on," said Martin Jackson, head of battery raw materials at CRU. Reuters <a target="_blank" href="https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/lithium-supply-surplus-set-stay-with-battery-makers-help-2024-12-10/" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a> his estimate that about 10% of global lithium production is currently unprofitable.
According to the Reuters report, UBS forecasts a 25% increase in global lithium supply this year, with the surplus expected to persist until 2027. Meanwhile, S&amp;P Global projects prices to stabilize between $9,900 and $11,600 per ton until 2026.
Driven by Beijing's ambition to dominate the market, Chinese companies remain a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/commodities/24/06/39477524/exclusive-china-linked-lithium-volatility-a-headache-for-producers-but-a-win-for-retail-inves" rel="noreferrer noopener">key factor in lithium production</a>. Production persists in Australia, Africa, and South America even at high operational costs, as China has to ensure a steady supply to support its rising EV industry.
In the U.S., lithium producers are also adapting to market pressures. ExxonMobil (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XOM#NYSE">XOM</a>) <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/contracts/24/11/42087743/exxon-mobils-lithium-leap-100000-metric-tons-to-fuel-lg-chems-us-plant" rel="noreferrer noopener">has partnered with</a> LG Chem to secure lithium for a cathode production facility in Tennessee, aiming to become the largest of its kind in the country. Yet, despite the tailwind from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), Donald Trump's second mandate could bring potential rollbacks. On top of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39870803/us-mine-development-delays-among-worlds-longest-second-only-to-zambia" rel="noreferrer noopener">permitting delays</a>, his policy shift could slow domestic progress.
Major producers like SQM (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SQM#NYSE">SQM</a>) have <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/insights/earnings/24/11/42036495/a-peek-at-sociedad-quimica-y-mineras-future-earnings" rel="noreferrer noopener">suffered significantly</a>, with the company reporting a 73% decline in quarterly profits despite record sales volumes. Yet, the industry remains optimistic about long-term prospects. If the EV adoption accelerates, analysts see prices recovering above $14,500 per ton.
Still, some lithium operators are set to prosper even at current prices. Volt Lithium, a Canadian firm focusing on direct lithium extraction (DLE), has agreed with Wellspring Hydro to deploy a field unit in North Dakota.
With a worst-case-scenario extraction price of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/commodities/24/06/39480795/exclusive-volt-lithium-ceo-touts-6b-cash-flow-opportunity" rel="noreferrer noopener">$2,900 per ton of lithium</a>, Volt will test its technology at the <a target="_blank" href="https://voltlithium.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/12-10-2024-North-Dakota-Field-Study-Agreement-Final-.pdf" rel="noreferrer noopener">second-largest domestic brine production</a>. The firm already has DLE operations in the Permian basin in Texas and the Keg River formation in its native Alberta.
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Lithium Producers Brace For Prolonged Oversupply, Stalled Prices

Sony Group Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SONY#NYSE">SONY</a>) and Honda Motor Co Ltd.&#8216;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HMC#NYSE">HMC</a>) joint electric vehicle venture faces significant headwinds as it prepares to enter the U.S. market in 2026, amid expected policy changes under President-elect Donald Trump that could reshape the EV landscape.
What Happened: The partnership, Sony Honda Mobility, will unveil its production-ready Afeela sedan prototype at CES 2025 in Las Vegas next month. While the vehicle&#8217;s hardware is largely complete, developers are fine-tuning the software-centric features that distinguish it from competitors, according to SHM President Izumi Kawanishi, Nikkei <a href="https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Technology/Tech-Asia/Sony-and-Honda-prepare-for-tough-U.S.-EV-debut-under-Trump">reported</a> on Wednesday.
The timing of Afeela&#8217;s launch coincides with potentially major shifts in U.S. auto policy. Trump&#8217;s anticipated elimination of the current $7,500 EV tax credit could reduce electric vehicle sales by nearly 30%, according to the National Bureau of Economic Research. 
This policy shift has already influenced market dynamics, with Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) shares rallying following Trump&#8217;s election victory.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42306850/bitcoin-ethereum-dogecoin-power-down-amid-south-korea-political-turmoil-top-analyst-shares-strategy-for-altcoin-holdersavoid-chasing-fomo-take-profits">Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin Power Down Amid South Korea Political Turmoil: Analyst Shares Strategy For Altcoin Holders — Avoid Chasing FOMO, Take Profits</a>
What Happened: The changing landscape has divided industry analysts. Roth MKM analyst Craig Irwin recently raised Tesla&#8217;s price target by 347% to $380, suggesting established players <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42285783/tesla-bear-craig-irwin-turns-bullish-increases-price-target-from-85-to-380">might benefit from reduced subsidies</a>. However, newcomers like SHM could face additional challenges beyond the subsidy cuts, including potential tariff increases.
Despite these hurdles, SHM is betting on its unique value proposition. The Afeela features 45 cameras and sensors, an entertainment-focused cabin design, and software that can be updated like a smartphone. The company aims to differentiate itself through Sony&#8217;s entertainment and sensor expertise combined with Honda&#8217;s automotive manufacturing capabilities.
&#8220;All businesses have ups and downs,&#8221; Kawanishi noted, emphasizing the venture&#8217;s long-term vision. Industry experts suggest annual sales of 30,000 to 40,000 units would be considered successful for the new entrant in a market dominated by Tesla, which controls approximately half of U.S. EV sales.
EV-focused exchange-traded funds, including Invesco Electric Vehicle Metals Commodity Strategy No K-1 ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EVMT#NASDAQ">EVMT</a>), Amplify Lithium &amp; Battery Technology ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BATT#NYSE">BATT</a>), KraneShares Electric Vehicles and Future Mobility Index ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KARS#NYSE">KARS</a>), and Global X Lithium &amp; Battery Tech ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LIT#NYSE">LIT</a>), have all been trading in the red since Trump&#8217;s election victory on Nov. 6.
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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Sony-Honda EV Dream Collides With Trump-Backed Policy Shift Reality Ahead Of 2026 US Launch

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) recently discovered a significant lithium reserve beneath southwestern Arkansas. Through water testing and artificial intelligence, the agency found as much as 19 million tons of lithium — enough to supply the nation's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/clean-energy">green tech transition</a>.
"Our research was able to estimate total lithium present in the southwestern portion of the Smackover in Arkansas for the first time.&nbsp; We estimate there is enough dissolved lithium present in that region to replace U.S. imports of lithium and more," <a href="https://www.usgs.gov/news/national-news-release/unlocking-arkansas-hidden-treasure-usgs-uses-machine-learning-show-large">said</a> Katherine Knierim, a hydrologist and the study's principal researcher.
The Smackover Formation is a leftover of an ancient sea that formed a porous and permeable limestone geologic unit that extends across the Southern U.S. states. Rich in oil and bromine, it has recently attracted attention for brine water — high-salinity waters that are a common byproduct of oil exploration.
Given the synergies, large oil producers such as Exxon Mobil (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XOM#NYSE">XOM</a>) are <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/24/02/37182798/exxons-lithium-experiment-could-be-winner-for-oil-company-state-of-arkansas">already active in Arkansas</a>. The company plans to begin extraction by 2027 and produce enough lithium for one million electric vehicles annually by 2030 through Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technology, which offers a quicker, more environmentally friendly method than traditional mining.
DLE also has high profitability potential, as demonstrated by Canadian pioneer Volt Lithium, which recently produced the first <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/08/40287108/volt-lithium-ceo-talks-up-new-mining-extraction-method-promises-major-production-advancements">battery-grade lithium</a> from brine in the Permian basin. The company estimates production costs at $2,900 per ton, even from low-concentration brine, while current prices hover around $10,500 per ton.
Despite significant lithium resources in the form of brine and clay deposits such as Thacker Pass in Nevada, domestic production has yet to catch up to domestic consumption. The U.S. imports 25% of its lithium, mainly from Australia and South America. This reliance on foreign sources and China's dominance in lithium processing have raised concerns about supply chain vulnerabilities.
The reasons include environmental concerns and opposition from the Indigenous population, as prospective deposits often crisscross disputed sites. With inert bureaucracy and high capex costs, the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39870803/us-mine-development-delays-among-worlds-longest-second-only-to-zambia">average mine development</a> in the U.S. is 29 years.
Still, with heavyweights such as Exxon committed to tapping into Arkansas' and both local and federal decision-makers keeping a friendly stance toward battery metals — this Southern state might reach its goal of becoming an epicenter of U.S. lithium production.
Lithium stocks rallied on the news, with Piedmont Lithium (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLL#NASDAQ">PLL</a>) climbing 17% yesterday before giving back most of those gains today.
Major lithium ETFs Global X Lithium &amp; Battery Tech ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LIT#NYSE">LIT</a>) and Amplify Lithium &amp; Battery Technology ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BATT#NYSE">BATT</a>) had modest gains between 2% and 3% Wednesday morning before running out of steam.
Read Next: • <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/24/10/41425070/vale-sets-samarco-dam-bill-estimate-at-30b-bhp-faces-uks-high-court">Vale Sets Samarco Dam Bill Estimate At $30B, BHP Faces UK&#8217;s High Court</a>
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Lithium Reserve Found In Arkansas With Help From AI: Why It Impacts Exxon Mobil

In a recent study, researchers have suggested that Arkansas could potentially hold a significant amount of lithium, a crucial component for electric car batteries and other high-tech products.
What Happened: The researchers, in a study published in the journal Science Advances, have estimated that there could be between 5.1 to 19 million tons of lithium in the Smackover Formation brines in southern Arkansas, <a href="https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/4945872-arkansas-19-million-tons-lithium-battery-power/">reported</a> The Hill. This amount could potentially make up 35 to 136% of the current U.S. lithium resource estimate.
The researchers used a machine-learning model trained on published and newly collected brine lithium concentration data to create a map of predicted lithium concentrations in Smackover Formation brines across southern Arkansas.
Lithium ETFs offer a way to diversify your investments across multiple companies poised to benefit from the growing demand for lithium. 
Some of the top lithium ETFs to consider include the Global X Lithium &amp; Battery Tech ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LIT#NYSE">LIT</a>), Amplify Lithium and Battery Technology ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BATT#NYSE">BATT</a>), First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund (NASDAQGM:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QCLN#NASDAQGM">QCLN</a>), iShares Global Clean Energy ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ICLN#NASDAQ">ICLN</a>), and the VanEck Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/REMX#NYSE">REMX</a>).
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/10/41422633/investors-lost-over-95-of-their-wealth-in-this-nvidia-linked-etf-while-jensen-huang-led-chip-gia?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Investors Lost Over 95% Of Their Wealth In This Nvidia-Linked ETF While Jensen Huang-Led Chip Giant Gained 220% In The Past Year: Here&#8217;s More</a>
Why It Matters: Automakers and tech companies are scrambling to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/10/41360023/lithium-americas-shares-surge-as-gm-commits-625m-to-thacker-pass-project">secure their lithium supplies</a>, with some even investing in mining projects, such as General Motors&#8216; joint venture with Lithium Americas (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LAC#NYSE">LAC</a>) for the Thacker Pass lithium project in Nevada.
Meanwhile, in Europe, the Serbian parliament&#8217;s decision <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/10/41289306/serbian-parliament-doesnt-pass-lithium-ban-keeps-rio-tintos-major-project-alive">not to ban lithium exploration and exploitation</a> has kept Rio Tinto&#8216;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RIO#NYSE">RIO</a>) major Jadar project alive. 
In January, Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) revealed its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/top-stories/24/02/37188987/interesting-elon-musk-captivated-by-microsofts-70-lithium-reduced-battery-innovation">collaboration with a U.S. national laboratory</a> to create an innovative battery material that decreases lithium consumption by 70%, attracting interest from Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) CEO Elon Musk.
Moreover, in July 2022 Musk tweeted that &#8220;lithium batteries are the new oil,&#8221; responding to Craft Ventures co-founder David Sacks&#8216; comments about the importance of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/22/07/28056987/elon-musk-says-this-battery-metal-is-the-new-oil-but-should-the-vehicle-connoisseur-take-his">energy independence amid oil challenges</a> from Russia&#8217;s invasion of Ukraine. 
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/insights/options/24/10/41411253/palantir-technologies-unusual-options-activity?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Palantir Technologies Unusual Options Activity</a></li>
</ul>
Image Via Shutterstock 
This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/Kaustubh-Bagalkote" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kaustubh Bagalkote</a>

Arkansas May Be Sitting On 19M Tons Of Lithium Amid Rising Demand For EV Batteries: How To Invest In What Elon Musk Calls 'The New Oil'

WIIM

ALTM

LAAC

Lithium shares are trading lower. The commodity has been weighed down this year by an oversupply.

AMLI

LITH

Shares of lithium companies are trading higher. The US Department of Energy selected Standard Lithium and Equinor for an award negotiation of up to $225 million for the South West Arkansas project.

General

SGML

CORRECTION: Lithium Stocks Are Higher

Shares of lithium companies are trading lower amid a drop in the price of the metal.

Shares of lithium companies are trading lower amid a drop in the price of lithium. Concerns over a growing Africa supply of the mineral may weigh negatively on the cost.

US Strategic Metals (USSM), a private company formerly known as Missouri Cobalt, has received a non-binding Letter of Interest from the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM Bank) for a potential $400 million debt funding package for Madison, their flagship <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/mining" rel="noreferrer noopener">cobalt mining project</a>.
The loan, which could extend up to 15 years, may qualify for special consideration under EXIM Bank's China and Transformational Export Program, a congressional initiative aimed at bolstering American companies' competition with Chinese entities in critical sectors, including energy storage and renewable energy.
Now read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/commodities/24/08/40269515/we-are-in-a-race-against-time-says-ceo-as-alaska-energy-metals-finds-major-nickel-deposit" rel="noreferrer noopener">‘We Are In A Race Against Time,' Says CEO As Alaska Energy Metals Finds Major Nickel Deposit</a>
The Madison project, located near Cobalt Village in the Mine La Motte-Fredericktown Mining District, is considered one of the largest cobalt reserves in North America.
The site spans 7.3 square kilometers and has a rich history dating back to its discovery in 1847 and operation until 1961. In recent years, USSM has focused on rehabilitating the area designated a Superfund site by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency due to past environmental damage.
The project is estimated to hold 72 million pounds of recoverable cobalt, 105 million pounds of nickel, and 103 million pounds of copper—essential materials for the green energy sector.
Cobalt is essential in the production of lithium-ion batteries. According to<a target="_blank" href="https://www.giiresearch.com/report/gd1422138-global-cobalt-mining-update.html" rel="noreferrer noopener"> GlobalData</a>, the U.S. contributes a mere 0.36% to global cobalt production, an amount insufficient to meet domestic industrial needs.
However, the cobalt market has been volatile. After a sharp price surge from $30,000 per metric ton in April 2020 to $82,000 in April 2022, cobalt prices have since plummeted below $30,000.
This price collapse has significantly impacted U.S. domestic production, including the temporary halt of operations at the only operating cobalt mine in Idaho.
A $400 million investment could significantly reduce the US's reliance on foreign sources of cobalt. Currently, the Democratic Republic of Congo dominates global production with over 70% of the market share. Yet, it is an unstable jurisdiction that, per the Associated Press, recently experienced a failed coup d&#8217;état and has been criticized for using<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38989518/apple-supply-chain-includes-blood-minerals-from-congo-lawyers" rel="noreferrer noopener"> illegal child labor</a>.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/commodities/24/08/40269672/renergen-launches-liquid-helium-production-begins-sales-to-global-customers" rel="noreferrer noopener">Renergen Launches Liquid Helium Production, Begins Sales To Global Customers</a>
Benzinga Mining is the bridge between mining companies and retail investors. Reach out to <a href="mailto:licensing@benzinga.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">licensing@benzinga.com</a> to get started!
Photo via Midjourney

US Strategic Metals Secures $400M Funding Proposal For Cobalt Project In Missouri

Albemarle Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ALB#NYSE">ALB</a>) shares are trading higher on Wednesday. The company reportedly intends to conduct additional auctions for lithium, the metal used in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/electric-vehicles">electric vehicle batteries.</a>
This move aims to enhance price transparency and foster a clearer understanding of the typically opaque market, reported Reuters.
The company also expects to strengthen supply contracts with automakers eager for a stable and consistent supply.
As per the report, despite lithium&#8217;s surge in popularity over the past decade, confusing futures pricing from market leader China has obscured a clear global reference point for its price.
The issue became particularly pronounced when Chinese prices plummeted last year, causing a decline in the shares of Albemarle and other Western lithium producers.
The London Metal Exchange has yet to roll out its long-anticipated lithium futures contract, and the trading volumes of the lithium contract on the CME Group Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CME#NASDAQ">CME</a>) are considerably smaller than those of copper and other essential minerals.
Albemarle intends to share its auction data with Fastmarkets and other pricing agencies to develop publicly available prices noting that many of the company&#8217;s long-term contracts are tied to this data.
Eric Norris, head of Albemarle&#8217;s energy storage business, told Reuters, &#8220;Our intent is to do more of them in more parts of the world and for various types and grades of lithium&#8221;
&#8220;With the recent drop in lithium prices, now may be the right time for industry consolidation&#8230; There should be bigger players with bigger balance sheets &#8230; in this space in order to credibly support the growth going forward,&#8221; he added.
Investors can gain exposure to the stock via Sprott Lithium Miners ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LITP#NASDAQ">LITP</a>) and Global X Lithium &amp; Battery Tech ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LIT#NYSE">LIT</a>).
Price Action: ALB shares are up 5.3% at $97.72 premarket at last check Wednesday.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/06/39502281/judge-tosses-the-card-visa-mastercard-swipe-fee-settlement-reportedly-rejected">Judge Tosses The Card: Visa-Mastercard Swipe Fee Settlement Reportedly Rejected</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

Large Cap

What's Going With Albemarle Shares Today

Exxon Mobil Has No Plans To Expand Into Hard Rock Lithium Mining Or Develop Its Own Direct Lithium Extraction Technology; Focuses On Core Competencies In Subsurface Fluids; Considering Lithium Expansion Projects Globally, Says Executive Patrick Howarth

The growing trend of hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) adoption is poised to reshape the landscape for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/05/39063832/as-ev-adoption-stalls-due-to-chicken-and-the-egg-situation-hybrids-race-ahead">essential raw materials</a>.
Bill Peterson from JPMorgan outlines how this shift impacts the demand for lithium, rare earths, copper and aluminum.
For investors, this shift comes with significant implications in related ETFs such as the Global X Lithium &amp; Battery Tech ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LIT#NYSE">LIT</a>), Amplify Lithium &amp; Battery Technology ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BATT#NYSE">BATT</a>), WisdomTree Battery Value Chain and Innovation Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WBAT#NYSE">WBAT</a>) and the United States Copper Index Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CPER#NYSE">CPER</a>).
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Lithium and Rare Earths: Balancing Act</h3>
The demand for lithium and rare earths is projected to decline due to lower battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales. BEVs traditionally contain a higher content of these materials. 
While HEVs and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are set to increase, their cumulative demand for lithium and rare earths won&#8217;t fully offset the drop from BEVs.
Related: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/05/39063832/as-ev-adoption-stalls-due-to-chicken-and-the-egg-situation-hybrids-race-ahead">As EV Adoption Stalls Due To &#8216;Chicken And The Egg&#8217; Situation, Hybrids Race Ahead</a>
This nuanced demand scenario should be closely monitored by investors in Lithium Americas Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LAC#NYSE">LAC</a>), Piedmont Lithium Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLL#NASDAQ">PLL</a>) and MP Materials Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MP#NYSE">MP</a>). 
These companies remain crucial due to the limited domestic supply sources in the US and the prioritization of IRA-qualified materials.
ETFs such as LIT, BATT and WBAT are also sensitive to changes in lithium and rare earth market dynamics.
Investors in these companies and related ETFs should note the strategic value and geopolitical factors at play, which could sustain their market positions despite shifting demand forecasts.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Copper: A Shining Opportunity</h3>
Contrary to the trend in lithium and rare earths, copper demand is expected to rise due to higher HEV and PHEV sales. 
While these vehicles use less copper per unit compared to BEVs, their increasing numbers will result in a net demand increase.
Investors in the United States Copper Index Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CPER#NYSE">CPER</a>) should find this particularly relevant, as copper&#8217;s uplift in demand could positively influence market prices and the fund&#8217;s performance.
Aluminum demand is unlikely to see significant long-term changes. 
However, potential short-term supply and demand fluctuations could arise if hybrid vehicle trends evolve as projected. This stability is noteworthy for those considering investments in broader commodity ETFs and funds that include aluminum exposure.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Investor Implications</h3>
For investors in ETFs such as LIT, BATT, WBAT and CPER, the evolving hybrid vehicle market presents both challenges and opportunities. Monitoring the demand trends for these critical metals and adjusting portfolios accordingly could enhance investment strategies and returns.
As hybrid vehicles gain traction, the demand dynamics for lithium, rare earths, copper and aluminum are set to shift. Copper stands out with a positive demand outlook, while lithium and rare earths face a more complex scenario.
Strategic domestic suppliers such as Lithium Americas, Piedmont Lithium Inc and MP Materials Corp are well-positioned despite these shifts, offering potential stability for investors.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/sector-etfs/24/02/37203815/ev-battery-metal-market-faces-downturn-as-prices-plummet-whats-next-for-the-industry">EV Battery Metal Market Faces Downturn As Prices Plummet: What&#8217;s Next For The Industry?</a>

Analyst Color

Long Ideas

Specialty ETFs

Analyst Ratings

Trading Ideas

WBAT

Hybrid Vehicle Adoption: Key Implications For Lithium, Rare Earths, Copper And Aluminum Investors

Shares of lithium stocks are trading higher. Chile opened 26 lithium salt flats for investment.

The electric vehicle (EV) industry is experiencing a significant shift as producers of lithium and nickel, essential components in lithium-ion batteries, are pausing projects and shutting down mines in a bid to conserve cash. This move comes in the wake of a dramatic decrease in commodity prices, with lithium prices dropping by up to 90% since last year, and nickel prices seeing <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-lithium-stocks">a reduction by about half.</a>
Albemarle Rethinks South Carolina Project Amid Price Crash
According to the <a href="https://www.wsj.com/finance/commodities-futures/the-boom-in-battery-metals-for-evs-is-turning-to-bust-5630493c">Wall Street Journal</a>, Albemarle Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ALB#NYSE">ALB</a>), a key player in the production of battery metals, is reevaluating its plans for a high-tech $1.3 billion lithium processing plant in South Carolina. 
This project, intended to support South Carolina&#8217;s growing electric-vehicle industry, is now on hold due to the sharp decline in battery metal prices and a slowdown in the growth of electric-vehicle sales in both the U.S. and China. 
As a result, Albemarle is implementing company-wide cost-cutting measures, including layoffs and delays in other investments.
Glencore and BHP Group Face Setbacks
Glencore, a Swiss mining and trading giant, announced the suspension of operations at an unprofitable nickel mine and processing plant in New Caledonia, citing high operating costs and a weak market. The company is looking for buyers for its stake in this venture that contributes over 6% to the world&#8217;s nickel supply.
Meanwhile, BHP Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BHP#NYSE">BHP</a>), the world&#8217;s largest miner by market value, has indicated that it may need to close its Australian nickel business temporarily. Despite having supply agreements with major automakers like Tesla and Ford Motor, BHP is wary of a quick market recovery.
Industry Challenges and Investment Slowdown
The global supply of lithium and nickel has surged as producers expanded operations to meet the anticipated demand from the EV industry. However, with the growth of EV sales slowing down, several automakers, including Ford, General Motors, and Volvo, are adopting a more cautious approach, delaying investments due to uncertain consumer demand. 
This cautious stance is further evidenced by the bankruptcy filing of British electric-vehicle maker Arrival&#8217;s U.K. business, attributing its challenges to adverse macroeconomic conditions.
ETFs Reflect Market Downturn
The downturn has also impacted investment products linked to the battery metal sector. The Global X Lithium &amp; Battery Tech ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LIT#NYSE">LIT</a>), which offers exposure to global lithium companies, has declined by 37% in the past year, with a more than 50% drop since its peak in 2021. Similarly, the Sprott Nickel Miners ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NIKL#NASDAQ">NIKL</a>) has experienced a 45% decrease since July 2023.
Chart: Significant Decline in Lithium and Nickel-Related Stocks Since Last Summer 
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="495" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/19155604/image-41-1024x495.png" alt="" class="wp-image-220984" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/19155604/image-41-1024x495.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/19155604/image-41-300x145.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/19155604/image-41-768x372.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/19155604/image-41-1536x743.png 1536w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/19155604/image-41.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
Looking Ahead: Potential for Recovery Amid Challenges
Despite the current downturn, some industry analysts believe that the scale of the cutbacks might be moderate, suggesting that miners are still optimistic about long-term demand. Lower metal prices could eventually benefit automotive companies by enabling them to offer cheaper models and discounts, potentially reigniting sales growth. 
However, the current slowdown in mining operations poses a risk of future shortages if demand for EVs surges again, potentially leaving car manufacturers in search of supplies.
Read now: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/02/37169552/exclusive-value-investor-is-very-happy-to-take-advantage-of-top-gold-miner-at-histo">EXCLUSIVE: Value Investor Is &#8216;Very Happy To Take Advantage&#8217; Of Top Gold Miner At Historical Discount</a>
Image created using artificial intelligence with MidJourney.

Topics

NIKL

EV Battery Metal Market Faces Downturn As Prices Plummet: What's Next For The Industry?

We performed a screening of mid-cap ETFs &#8211; defined as having Assets Under Management (AUM) between $2 billion and $10 billion &#8211; to determine what funds had the largest change in net assets on the week, according to data from <a href="http://etfdb.com">etfdb.com</a>. Only non-leveraged funds were considered.&nbsp;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Winners</h2>
abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SGOL#NYSE">SGOL</a>)
SGOL was up 2.71% on the week.
The abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF provides exposure to the spot price of gold. The fund holds real gold bullion in its vault in Switzerland.
SGOL has $2.78 billion in AUM and an expense ratio of 0.17%.
YTD, SGOL is up 8.41%.
SPDR Gold MiniShares Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GLDM#NYSE">GLDM</a>)
GLDM is up 2.61% over the trailing week.
SPDR Gold MiniShares Trust, like SGOL, provides exposure to gold without the need to personally own bullion. The price will move synchronously with the spot price of gold.
GLDM has $6.19 billion in AUM and an expense ratio of 0.10%.&nbsp;
GLDM is up 8.48% YTD.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Losers</h2>
Global X Lithium &amp; Battery Tech ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LIT#NYSE">LIT</a>)
LIT is down 7.50% over the trailing week.
The Global X Lithium &amp; Battery Tech ETF is designed to offer exposure to companies involved in the lithium industry, from exploration and mining to the development and manufacture of new technologies. Lithium and lithium-ion batteries are a critical component of much of the technology that drives the modern world.
The fund has $3.37 billion in AUM and an expense ratio of 0.75%. LIT has 42 holdings, with the 10 largest comprising 55.94% of the fund.
The fund's largest holdings are Albemarle Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ALB#NYSE">ALB</a>) and Tesla, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) making up 7.91% and 7.58% of the fund, respectively.
LIT is down 16.18% YTD.
Vanguard Extended Duration Treasury ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EDV#NYSE">EDV</a>)
EDV is down 7.48% over the trailing week.
The Vanguard Extended Duration Treasury ETF provides exposure to long-dated US treasuries. The maturity dates range from 20 to 30 years.
The fund has $2.19 billion in AUM and an expense ratio of .06%.
EDV is down 21.71% YTD.

GLDM

SGOL

Gold Up For Another Week Approaching All-Time High, Gold Funds Pop - ETF Winners And Losers: Mid-Cap Returns

Lithium is a metal that has soared in popularity and demand in recent years thanks to its inclusion<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/electric-vehicles"> in electric vehicles.</a>
A disclosure of a new lithium deposit that could be the biggest in the world could be good news for the electric vehicle sector and a company that has rights to the mining area.
What Happened: With electric vehicle sales expected to increase over time and<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/09/34453211/global-ev-market-share-reaches-15-in-2023-top-players-vehicles-and-companies-dominating-sector"> gain market share </a>over traditional automakers, investors may be looking for ways to invest in the growth.
There are multiple ways to invest in electric vehicle growth including stocks and ETFs and one area of focus could be lithium, given its placement in the supply chain.
With more lithium needed to produce more battery-powered electric vehicles, the sector may have gotten great news with the discovery that 20 to 40 million tons of lithium could be contained within a volcanic crater near the Nevada and Oregon border.
This total, <a href="https://www.chemistryworld.com/news/lithium-discovery-in-us-volcano-could-be-biggest-deposit-ever-found/4018032.article">reported </a>by Chemistry World, would make the lithium deposit the largest in the world.
The area is not currently mined, with Native Americans contesting mine development according to the report.
Related Link: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/23/07/33443954/as-electric-vehicle-transition-charges-higher-this-etf-tracks-lithium-a-critical-battery">As Electric Vehicle Transition Charges Higher, This ETF Tracks Lithium</a>
Why It&rsquo;s Important: Lithium Americas Corp&nbsp;(NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/lac#NYSE">LAC</a>) owns rights to the Thacker Pass mine in Nevada in the region. The company&rsquo;s geologist Thomas Benson was part of the research team that reported on the new discovery.
Benson said Lithium Americas could begin mining in the region in 2026. The company will remove the clay with water and then separate out the lithium. Benson said the Tacker Pass region is &ldquo;unique.&rdquo;
A leading geologist said the discovery could be significant.
&ldquo;It they can extract the lithium in a very low energy-intensive way, or in a process that does not consume much acid, then this can be economically very significant,&rdquo; Geologist Anouk Borst said. &ldquo;The U.S. would have its own supply of lithium and industries would be less scared about supply shortages.&rdquo;
Tesla CEO Elon Musk <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1700805058370113934">highlighted </a>the importance of lithium in a reply to a X, formerly known as Twitter,&nbsp;user who shared the article.
&ldquo;Lithium ore is quite common throughout the world. The limiting factor is lithium refining,&rdquo; Musk said. &ldquo;Refining matters more than ore.&rdquo;
Lithium Americas has several lithium facilities in the pre-production stages and could become a major player in lithium refining.
The company reported second-quarter financial results in August with earnings per share of 16 cents beating a Street consensus estimate of a loss of 10 cents per share.
Piper Sandler<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/LAC/analyst-ratings"> maintained an Overweight</a> rating on the stock and lowered the price target from $33 to $29 after the results.
Investors have <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-lithium-etf">several ETFs</a> to choose from that include lithium-related companies including the Global X Lithium &amp; Battery Tech ETF (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/lit#NYSE">LIT</a>) and the Amplify Lithium &amp; Battery Technology ETF (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/batt#NYSE">BATT</a>). Lithium Americas Corp is a holding in both ETFs.
LAC Price Action: Lithium Americas shares trade at $19.26, gaining 7% over the past five trading days. The stock has traded between $16.07 and $31.98 over the past 52 weeks.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-invest-in-lithium">How To Invest In Lithium</a>
Photo: Shutterstock 
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Was The Biggest Lithium Deposit Just Found? Here's The Stock Investors Should Know

소니 그룹(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SONY#NYSE">SONY</a>)과 혼다 자동차(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HMC#NYSE">HMC</a>)의 합작 전기차 벤처는 2026년 미국 시장 진출을 준비하면서 도널드 트럼프 대통령 당선인의 정책 변화로 인해 전기차 업계의 판도가 바뀔 것으로 예상되는 가운데 상당한 역풍에 직면해 있다.
무슨 일 있었나: 두 기업의 파트너십인 소니 혼다 모빌리티(Sony Honda Mobility: SHM)는 다음 달 라스베이거스에서 열리는 CES 2025에서 생산 준비가 완료된 아필라(Afeela) 세단 프로토타입을 공개할 예정이다. 수요일 닛케이 <a href="https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Technology/Tech-Asia/Sony-and-Honda-prepare-for-tough-U.S.-EV-debut-under-Trump" target="_blank" rel="noopener">보도</a>에 따르면, 이즈미 카와니시 SHM 사장은 차량의 하드웨어는 거의 완성되었지만 개발자들은 경쟁사와 차별화되는 소프트웨어 중심 기능을 미세 조정하고 있다고 말했다.
아필라의 출시 시기는 미국 자동차 정책의 잠재적인 주요 변화와 일치한다. 전미경제연구소(NBER)에 따르면 트럼프 대통령이 현행 7,500달러의 전기차 세금 공제를 폐지할 경우 전기차 판매량이 30% 가까이 감소할 것으로 예상된다.
이러한 정책 변화는 이미 시장 역학 관계에 영향을 미쳤으며, 테슬라(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>)의 주가는 트럼프의 대선 승리 이후 상승세를 보이고 있다.
왜 중요한가: 변화하는 환경은 업계 애널리스트들을 분열시켰다. 로스 MKM의 애널리스트 크레이그 어윈은 최근 테슬라의 목표주가를 380달러로 347% 올리며 기존 업체들이 <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42285783/tesla-bear-craig-irwin-turns-bullish-increases-price-target-from-85-to-380" target="_blank" rel="noopener">보조금 감소로 혜택을 볼 수</a> 있다고 전망했다. 그러나 SHM과 같은 신생 업체는 보조금 삭감 외에도 잠재적인 관세 인상 등 추가적인 어려움에 직면할 수 있다.
이러한 장애물에도 불구하고 SHM은 독특한 가치 제안에 베팅하고 있다. 아필라는 45개의 카메라와 센서, 엔터테인먼트에 초점을 맞춘 실내 디자인, 스마트폰처럼 업데이트할 수 있는 소프트웨어가 특징이다. 소니의 엔터테인먼트 및 센서 전문성과 혼다의 자동차 제조 역량을 결합하여 차별화를 꾀하고 있다.
가와니시는 "모든 사업에는 기복이 있다&#8221;며 벤처의 장기적인 비전을 강조했다. 업계 전문가들은 미국 전기차 판매의 약 절반을 점유하고 있는 테슬라가 지배하는 시장에서 새로운 진입자가 성공하기는 쉽지 않고, 신규 진입자가 연간 3만~4만 대의 판매량을 달성하면 성공으로 간주할 수 있다고 말한다.
전기차에 집중된 상장지수펀드(ETF), 예를 들어 Invesco Electric Vehicle Metals Commodity Strategy No K-1 ETF(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EVMT#NASDAQ">EVMT</a>), Amplify Lithium &amp; Battery Technology ETF(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BATT#NYSE">BATT</a>), KraneShares Electric Vehicles and Future Mobility Index ETF(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KARS#NYSE">KARS</a>) 그리고 Global X Lithium &amp; Battery Tech ETF(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LIT#NYSE">LIT</a>)는 트럼프의 대선 승리 이후 모두 하락세를 보이고 있다.
이미지 출처: Unsplash
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최근 연구에 따르면 아칸소주가 전기차(EV) 배터리와 기타 첨단 제품에 필수적인 리튬을 상당량 보유하고 있을 가능성이 제기되었다.
무슨 일이 (What Happened): 사이언스 어드밴시스(Science Advances) 저널에 발표된 연구에서 연구원들은 아칸소 남부의 스맥오버 포메이션(Smackover Formation) 염수에 510만~1,900만 톤의 리튬이 있을 수 있다고 추정했다고 더 힐(The Hill)이 <a href="https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/4945872-arkansas-19-million-tons-lithium-battery-power/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">보도</a>했다. 이 양은 잠재적으로 현재 미국 리튬 자원 추정치의 35~136%를 차지할 수 있다.
연구원들은 공개되고 새로 수집된 염수 리튬 농도 데이터에 대해 훈련된 기계 학습 모델을 사용하여 남부 아칸소 전역의 스맥오버 포메이션 염수에서 예상되는 리튬 농도 예측 지도를 만들었다.
리튬 ETF들은 리튬 수요 증가로 혜택을 볼 수 있는 여러 회사들에 투자하여 포트폴리오를 다각화할 수 있는 방법을 제공한다.
고려할 만한 주요 리튬 ETF로는 Global X 리튬 및 배터리 기술 ETF(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LIT#NYSE">LIT</a>), Amplify 리튬 및 배터리 기술 ETF(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BATT#NYSE">BATT</a>), First Trust NASDAQ 청정 에너지 인덱스 펀드(NASDAQGM:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QCLN#NASDAQGM">QCLN</a>), iShares 글로벌 청정 에너지 ETF(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ICLN#NASDAQ">ICLN</a>), 그리고 VanEck Vectors 희토류/전략 금속 ETF(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/REMX#NYSE">REMX</a>)가 있다.
왜 중요한가 (Why It Matters): 자동차 제조사들과 기술 회사들은 <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/10/41360023/lithium-americas-shares-surge-as-gm-commits-625m-to-thacker-pass-project" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-google-interstitial="false">리튬 공급을 확보하기</a> 위해 경쟁하고 있으며, 일부는 리튬 채굴 프로젝트에 투자하고 있다. 예를 들어, 제너럴 모터스는 리튬 아메리카스(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LAC#NYSE">LAC</a>)와 네바다의 태커 패스(Thacker Pass) 리튬 프로젝트를 위한 공동 투자로 리튬 공급을 확보하고 있다.
유럽에서는 세르비아 의회가 <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/10/41289306/serbian-parliament-doesnt-pass-lithium-ban-keeps-rio-tintos-major-project-alive" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-google-interstitial="false">리튬 탐사 및 개발을 금지하지 않기로</a> 결정하여 리오 틴토(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RIO#NYSE">RIO</a>)의 주요 자다르(Jadar) 프로젝트를 계속 진행할 수 있게 했다.
올해 1월, 마이크로소프트(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>)는 리튬 소비를 70% 줄이는 혁신적인 배터리 소재 개발을 위한 <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/top-stories/24/02/37188987/interesting-elon-musk-captivated-by-microsofts-70-lithium-reduced-battery-innovation" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-google-interstitial="false">미국 국립 연구소와의 협력</a>을 발표했으며, 이는 테슬라(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>)의 CEO인 일론 머스크의 관심을 끌었다.
더욱이, 2022년 7월, 머스크는 &#8220;리튬 배터리는 새로운 석유다&#8221;라고 트윗하며, 러시아의 우크라이나 침공으로 인한 <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/22/07/28056987/elon-musk-says-this-battery-metal-is-the-new-oil-but-should-the-vehicle-connoisseur-take-his" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-google-interstitial="false">석유 문제 속 에너지 독립</a>의 중요성에 대한 크래프트 벤처스(Craft Ventures)의 공동 창립자 데이빗 색스(David Sacks)의 발언에 반응했다.

다음에 읽어볼 기사:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/insights/options/24/10/41411253/palantir-technologies-unusual-options-activity?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">팔란티어 테크놀로지스 비정상적 옵션 거래 활동</a></li>
</ul>
이미지 출처: Shutterstock
이 기사는 <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a>를 통해 생성되었으며, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/Kaustubh-Bagalkote" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kaustubh Bagalkote</a>에 의해 편집되었습니다.
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Global X Lithium & Battery Tech ETF

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