Lithium – Roskill provided analysis on the future of the lithium market. The company determined that rechargeable batteries accounted for 27 percent of global lithium consumption in 2012. The end use of batteries was responsible for 44 percent of the net increase in lithium consumption over the lat ten years and 70 percent over the last five.
Rare Earth – Japanese auto maker Honda has established the world's first process to reuse rare earth metals extracted from nickel-metal hydride batteries. Using the newly defined process, it is able to extract over 80 percent of rare earth metals contained in used batteries at more than 99-percent purity.
Zinc – Zinc’s use in the energy world's increasingly important battery sector is beginning to challenge current lithium and lead models.
Graphite – Focus Metals (TSXV:FMS) has signed a licensing agreement with Hydro-Quebec's research institute, IREQ, to develop a graphite purification and a graphite anode production facility.
Magnesium – The US Department of Defense is finding an unlikely ally in environmentalists to develop magnesium’s potential, as the lightweight metal can not only lead to energy efficiency in combat zones, but also better protect soldiers’ lives.
Manganese – Manganese prices have remained weak due to oversupply and weak steel demand. However, emerging technologies demanding manganese may bolster prices going forward.
Vanadium – A global shortage in the vanadium market caused by increased vanadium demand in the steel, aerospace and the battery industries could affect the US, a country almost completely dependent on imports of the metal.
Zinc – Batteries are critical in making renewable energy a bigger part of our energy supply. And while a number of battery types battle it out for widespread commercial application, Zinc-Bromide (ZnBr) redox flow batteries are receiving a smaller share of that action.
Cobalt – With growing demand from the battery industry, it does not appear that cobalt will be entirely eliminated any time soon.
Cobalt – The United States has no domestic production – it is 100 percent dependent on imports for its supply of primary cobalt meaning that if developers want to continue using the mineral they will have to find new sources, like recycling existing batteries. With the recent strong support for electric vehicles the use of cobalt in this sector alone has led to a formidable demand for the element.
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