How much does lithium cost? https://www.journalpioneer.com/news/world/how-much-does-lithium-cost-the-industry-cant-seem-to-agree-320271/
But smaller and mid-tier players are finding it difficult to procure funding as potential financiers balk without a tradable lithium price, which would let them hedge their investment.
Neo Lithium Corp, ioneer, Standard Lithium Ltd, Sigma Lithium Resources Corp and other prospective lithium projects have all struggled to attract investors largely due to that price uncertainty.
"Greater transparency is severely needed," said Jake Fraser, a metals analyst with Roskill.
A traded lithium price would make conversations with potential customers or financiers much easier, said Carlos Vicens, finance chief at Neo Lithium, which is developing an Argentine lithium deposit.
"Our main focus is to get a financier, a strategic partner, to get this project into construction as soon as possible," Vicens said.