Lithium carbonate prices in China fell to CNY 157,000 per tonne, the lowest level in ten weeks, amid speculation that one of the world’s largest lithium mines may soon resume operations. Contemporary Amperex Technology’s Jianxiawo mine in Jiangxi province was suspended last year due to permitting issues. A recent government notice on a preliminary land assessment has heightened expectations that the mine could restart in the second half of 2026.
However, the notice does not confirm any reopening plans and appears instead to be a procedural step in the land-use approval process. Analysts noted that the market has largely already priced in the prospect of a near-term restart, despite the lack of firm evidence. They cautioned that a resumption of production at Jianxiawo could put downward pressure on prices, but still expect lithium supply–demand conditions to remain relatively tight, as substantial new battery manufacturing capacity is scheduled to come online in the third quarter.
