Australia's lithium loadings are on track to hit a record high in March after cyclone disruptions curbed February exports, according to data compiled by Argus.
Australian ports are expected to load about 631,000t of lithium this month, with China typically taking the vast majority of Australian spodumene, according to vessel tracking firm Kpler's data compiled by Argus. Tropical cyclone Mitchell halted exports at some ports in Western Australia in early February, including Port Hedland, where Australian lithium producers Mineral Resources and PLS ship some of their spodumene. Vessel delays extended into March, contributing to the higher loading figure, said an Australian spodumene source.
Australia's Bunbury port expects to load about 328,200t of lithium this month, with loading also expected at Geraldton port — near lithium miner Liontown's Kathleen Valley project — later this month after no shipments in February.
A lithium concentrates export ban by Zimbabwe in late-February drove Chinese lithium salt prices higher before they later eased, and some market participants remain cautious about the potential impact of the ban. The market is still underestimating the risks caused by the ban, a Chinese lithium trading source told Argus.
Zimbabwe's mines ministry ordered regulators to block every shipment — even those already in transit. Only mining firms with mining rights and working beneficiation plants will be allowed to export processed material, said the ministry.
