CATL's Jianxiawo lithium mine still awaits green nod, state media says
CATL's Jianxiawo lithium mine in Jiangxi remains closed pending environmental approval, with no ore transport or crushing underway, state media reported.
Chinese battery giant CATL's Jianxiawo lithium mine in Yichun, Jiangxi Province, is still not operational, as it awaits environmental clearance, according to state media reports on Friday.
The Yifeng County Ecology and Environment Bureau told Shanghai Securities News that the mine is undergoing maintenance, with no ore transportation or crushing currently taking place. The bureau has asked CATL to complete the environmental impact assessment approval procedures as soon as possible.
The comments come amid market speculation that the mine could reopen and quickly return to full production. The project's mineral designation was changed from ceramic clay containing lithium to lithium ore, which required CATL to prepare a fresh environmental impact assessment report. That report was published for public consultation on July 27.
Operations at Jianxiawo were suspended in August 2025 after the mining licence expired. However, the company secured a safety production permit on June 29, clearing a major regulatory hurdle towards restarting the mine after a nearly year-long shutdown.
Market reaction was muted. The most-active September lithium carbonate contract on the Guangzhou Futures Exchange rose 1.36% as of 0615 GMT, while CATL shares were nearly flat, dipping just 0.02%.