CATL's Zaoxiawo Lithium Mine Fails to Resume Production After Rights Expire

Published on January 06, 2026 | Translated from Spanish
Aerial view of an open-pit mine in a mountainous area, with immobile heavy machinery and a sign showing the CATL logo and the concession expiration date. The atmosphere shows inactivity.

CATL's Zaoxiawo Lithium Mine Does Not Resume Production After Rights Expire

Activity at the Zaoxiawo lithium mine, operated by the giant CATL in Yichun, remains completely halted. It is confirmed that rumors about a possible resumption are false, a situation originating from the simple expiration of the permit to exploit the deposit. ⏸️

A Permit That Reached Its End Paralyzes Operations

The central reason for this paralysis is contractual. The rights to extract lithium from this deposit began on August 9, 2022 and expired irrevocably on August 9, 2024. This expiration forced the halt of all operations at the site, with no movement observed to date to resume.

Immediate consequences in the local market:
  • Local traders confirm there was no productive activity, debunking previous expectations.
  • This mine adds to others in the Jiangxi region that also keep their operations suspended.
  • The combined effect causes the local market to completely lack available lithium mineral for supply.
While the world accelerates toward electrification, some of the mines that must fuel that energy transition seem to have hit the pause button.

The Shortage Already Impacts Material Costs

This forced interruption of supply occurs at a time of growing and constant demand. The resulting tension is directly transferred to prices, which begin to reflect the pressure. Lepidolite ore with a grade of 1.0% has risen to mark 400 yuan per ton (about 55 USD).

Key details on the reference price:
  • This value corresponds to the material after subjecting it to a secondary process to extract usable lithium.
  • The increase evidences how a limited supply begins to raise chain costs.
  • The situation highlights the fragility of specific links in the global supply chain.

A Reminder for the Transition Industry

The case of the Zaoxiawo mine serves as a tangible reminder. The chain for manufacturing batteries depends on very specific contracts and permits that can literally expire. This pause at a critical supply node underscores the logistical and administrative challenges facing the global energy transition, beyond mere technological demand. ⚡