Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited’s (CATL) Jianxiawo lithium mine in Yichun, Jiangxi province, is set to resume production around the Chinese New Year holiday in mid-February, according to a report by local media outlet Jiemian citing sources close to the company. The holiday, which in 2026 runs from February 15 to 23, peaks on February 17.
Operations at the Jianxiawo site were suspended on August 10 after a key mining permit expired. At the time, CATL confirmed it was actively processing an application for permit renewal. Relevant authorities in Jiangxi recently released documents including a revenue assessment report for the mine’s rights transfer, and on December 19, Yichun city published its first environmental impact assessment disclosure for the project.
Bloomberg reported in late November that CATL had developed preliminary plans to restart the mine by early December. According to that report, the battery manufacturer instructed suppliers and partners to prepare equipment, chemicals and personnel, and notified downstream refineries that source lithium from Jianxiawo.
Lithium is a critical raw material for lithium-ion batteries, accounting for a significant portion of the cost of electric vehicles. Jianxiawo is part of a broader lithium production hub in Yichun, often referred to as the “Lithium Capital of Asia.” The mine produces lithium carbonate, a primary input for lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathodes.
Over recent months, global lithium prices have rebounded, contributing to upward pressure on battery costs. In response to supply constraints and rising input costs, several Chinese LFP battery manufacturers have increased prices. Suzhou Deegares Energy Technology became the first to publicly announce a 15 percent price hike on December 16, with others following suit or planning similar adjustments.
Source: CNEV Post
