She argues Western firms will have to compete on other grounds, such as quality and carbon emissions, to sell at a premium. “This is meant to be about the green revolution, but often the supply chains aren’t as sustainable as you would like. So that’s a hot topic with automakers and is another driver for different sources of supply.”
In Tyneside, one company seeking to do just this is Tees Valley Lithium. From 2026, the company hopes to begin producing lithium hydroxide and carbonate at a refinery near Redcar that will supply UK battery factories.
Paul Atherley, chairman of Alkemy Capital, the company’s parent, says he is “agnostic about the lithium price” to a degree because his company will be seeking to deal with car makers who sell to wealthier customers, not those looking for cheaper, entry level cars.
“We’re targeting that premium market, where anybody who is consumer-facing…
