Albemarle Announces Expansion Plan for Production of Lithium Battery Materials

Albemarle Corporation

, a premier specialty chemicals company and leader in the production of lithium and lithium compounds, announced today its intention to add up to 50,000 metric tons of mineral conversion production capacity to significantly boost battery grade lithium production (including lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide) to meet the growing needs of the energy storage market, in particular for customers in the global transportation industry utilizing lithium ion battery technology. This expansion plan is expected to further solidify Albemarle's cost leadership position in the growing market for lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide. "Albemarle recognizes the significant energy storage movement globally and views this plan as the logical next step in our continued support of leading companies in the transportation, consumer devices and renewable energy industries," said President and CEO Luke Kissam. "By expanding our production capabilities, we will be prepared to meet the growing market-driven demand for high-quality, battery grade lithium products as our customers in the global transportation and energy infrastructure industries innovate to utilize energy more efficiently and effectively." The new plant is expected to come on stream in multiple phases and will source spodumene ore from Albemarle's joint venture in Greenbushes, Australia. Albemarle has commenced feasibility studies and is evaluating potential sites, including several locations in the United States and Asia. The plant is expected to be operational in 2020.