CATL Set to Resume Lithium Mining in China: Implications for Global Supply Chains.

Jianxiawo Mine Production Restart Underway

According to Novyny.live: Chinese battery giant CATL is preparing to restart lithium extraction at the Jianxiawo mine in Jiangxi Province. The site has an estimated annual production capacity of roughly 46,000 metric tons of lithium carbonate, which would account for about 3% of global lithium output projected for 2025. This move could significantly reshape the international lithium market, especially as demand for electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy storage continues to surge.

The Jianxiawo deposit holds approximately 775 million tons of lepidolite ore. Operations were halted in August 2025 when the mining license expired. However, the Jiangxi Provincial Department of Natural Resources has now issued a preliminary land-use permit valid through June 2029, opening the door for CATL to resume activities.

Regulatory Hurdles Ahead

Before full-scale mining can restart, CATL must complete several regulatory steps:

• an updated environmental impact assessment;
• approval for tailings storage facility operations;
• renewal of the mineral extraction license.

These requirements highlight the growing emphasis on environmental compliance in the mining sector.

Recent market data shows that lithium carbonate futures in China dropped by roughly 10% in late June. This price decline could affect market conditions for CATL and other producers that rely on stable raw material costs. Restarting the Jianxiawo mine may be a strategic move for CATL to expand its production capacity and secure a steady lithium supply chain.

Resuming lithium extraction at Jianxiawo is a critical milestone for CATL as it aims to meet the rising global demand for battery-grade lithium. With the electric vehicle market expanding rapidly, additional lithium volumes could strengthen CATL's competitive position worldwide. The restart process also underscores the importance of adhering to environmental standards, which will be key to the company's and the industry's long-term sustainability.