The study of the location of the lithium operations shows the clear current domination of the lithium upstream market by Latin America, specifically Chile and Argentina and Asia Pacific, specifically Australia and China.
While the US and Canada come on top in terms of total operations, all are new projects, and Fitch notes Northern America has plenty of potential in terms of future output.
Competitive landscape: Majors’ presence eclipsed by junior explorers
The lithium extraction sector is currently immature and not concentrated, Fitch asserts. Out of 129 total operations, whether active or new projects in its database, the analyst identified 105 individual companies owning these projects (owning 50% and above of the rights).
Out of those 105 companies, only 18 have more than one lithium operation/projects, while 87 companies only own one lithium operation/project.
Hence, Fitch notes, the lithium supply sector comprises a very…
