China Drives African Lithium Surge To Lock In Key Battery Metal

```html

China Drives Surge in African Lithium Output

Overview

* Chinese companies' investments are fueling a surge in lithium production in Africa. * The move is driven by rising lithium prices and China's dominance in the electric vehicle market.

Impact

* China's dominance in the lithium market is growing. * Africa is becoming a key source of lithium for China's electric vehicle industry. * The surge in lithium output is creating jobs and boosting economic growth in Africa.

Chinese miners and refiners are driving a surge in African lithium output, shrugging off concerns about the impact on local communities and the environment.

A spike in lithium prices through 2021 and 2022 fueled a wave of investment by Chinese companies in African lithium mines and refineries.

China is the world's largest producer and consumer of lithium, a key component in electric vehicle batteries.

• China's early move to tap new centers of lithium supply across Africa is reaping rewards.
• Every day, scores of lorries rumble through Goromonzi, Zimbabwe, carrying lithium bound for China, where most of the world's electric vehicles are made.
• Chinese miners and refiners are driving a surge in African lithium output, shrugging off concerns about the impact on local communities and the environment.

The surge in lithium output is creating jobs and boosting economic growth in Africa.

However, there are concerns about the environmental and social impact of lithium mining.

Lithium mining can pollute water sources and damage ecosystems.

It can also lead to the displacement of local communities.

Chinese companies have been accused of human rights abuses in their operations in Africa.

Despite these concerns, the surge in lithium output is expected to continue as the demand for electric vehicles grows.

```