MinRes and POSCO Holdings form new lithium joint venture The partnership affords POSCO access to spodumene capacity equivalent to 30ktpy LCE contained, underpinning its downstream processing ambitions. On paper both assets are reasonably competitive, sitting firmly in the third quartile of the AISC cost curve according to Project Blue's lithium extractive cost service. Wodgina is expected to be marginally profitable at current prevailing spot prices of ~$1,000/t SC6. It should be noted, that ~20% (1.6Mt SC6) of the supply to the left of Wodgina on the 2030 cost curve isn't currently in production.... If POSCO were buying into a project still under development, they could likely pay a lower cost per tonne and potentially, secure a lower operating cost asset (assuming estimates are correct). However, they’d assume far greater execution, timing, and price risk. The valuation therefore reflects the premium for: ⛏️ Securing real tonnes, not just theoretical "paper" tonnes. 🔒 Locking in exposure to a competitive operating asset in a volatile market. ✅ Securing a long-life, de-risked source of spodumene to support its downstream ambitions. Read more about the deal here: https://lnkd.in/eYMAuVN6

Mineral Resources Limited (ASX: MIN) has executed a binding agreement with POSCO Holdings Inc to form a new incorporated joint venture for MinRes' operational lithium business. Under the terms, POSCO Holdings will acquire a 30% interest (indirect 15% at an underlying asset level) in the joint venture for a total upfront cash consideration of US$765 million (circa $1.2 billion). MinRes will retain a 70% interest and continue as operator of the Wodgina and Mt Marion lithium mines. The partnership strengthens MinRes' position in the global battery supply chain and endorses the quality and strategic value of its Tier 1 lithium assets. MinRes expects to use the proceeds to repay debt and position the company for future growth. As MinRes Chair Malcolm Bundey stated, 'This first-of-its-kind investment by a major Korean company into Australian lithium is a milestone for our industry.'#Lithium, #wodginaLithiumMine, #mtMarionLithiumMine

South Korean steel and chemicals conglomerate Posco Group has agreed to invest US$ 765 million to secure lithium supplies from Australia, to support its expanding battery materials business. https://lnkd.in/er9EzFtW #Automotive #Automotivenews

Lithium South Gets Green Light from POSCO POSCO Argentina S.A.U. has advised that the proposed acquisition of the Hombre Muerto North lithium project via the purchase of NRG Metals Argentina S.A. has been fully approved and the investment scheduled; the final acquisition price has been agreed and adjusted to US$65 million. An Annual General and Special Meeting is scheduled for January 9, 2026 to seek shareholder approval for the sale of NRG Metals S.A., the repurchase of issued securities and related matters; the transaction remains subject to execution of the share purchase agreement and regulatory approval, including approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. Full technical details are available in the corporate news release: https://lnkd.in/e5rbzXEi

Big news this morning: Mineral Resources Limited and POSCO HOLDINGS will form a landmark joint venture that will support the growth of MinRes’ world‑class lithium business. Together, MinRes and POSCO will enhance the ability for Wodgina and Mt Marion to respond to increasing demand for Australian lithium - affirming the quality of MinRes’ lithium portfolio and supporting POSCO’s ambitions in downstream battery chemicals supply.   MinRes Chair Malcolm Bundey said the first-of-its-kind investment by a major Korean company into Australian lithium is a milestone for the industry.   “It signals the growing global demand for Tier 1 hard rock lithium assets and the confidence international partners have in Australia’s ability to meet that demand,” Mr Bundey said. Read a bit more about today’s announcement at https://lnkd.in/g8fFYejU 

Australia's lithium sector just witnessed a $765 million deal that could reshape how battery supply chains operate globally. 🔋 POSCO's Strategic Investment Details: $765M for 30% stake in MinRes lithium joint venture. Indirect 15% interest in both Wodgina and Mt Marion operations. MinRes maintains 70% ownership and operational control. Direct supply access to two of Western Australia's premier lithium projects. Why This Partnership Matters: The deal creates a vertically integrated supply chain connecting Australian hard-rock deposits directly to South Korean battery manufacturing. POSCO secures guaranteed spodumene concentrate allocation while MinRes gains immediate liquidity without equity dilution. This structure eliminates spot market volatility exposure for POSCO whilst providing MinRes with capital for debt reduction and growth initiatives. Market Implications: Battery manufacturers are increasingly investing directly in upstream mining operations rather than relying on trading intermediaries. The transaction reflects premium valuations for high-quality Australian lithium assets as global EV adoption accelerates. Geographic diversification strategies are intensifying as manufacturers reduce dependence on Chinese-controlled supply chains. Timeline Forward: FIRB approval expected during H1 2026, with operational integration following transaction closure. Both Wodgina and Mt Marion will continue existing partnerships with Albemarle and Ganfeng Lithium respectively. Enjoy this summary? Hit the 'like' button to let us know and follow this page to stay up to date on critical minerals partnerships. Read the complete financial analysis and strategic implications: https://lnkd.in/gwzCyqs8 #lithium #battery #EV #Australia #mining

POSCO's $765 million partnership with Mineral Resources just reshaped Australian lithium dealmaking 🔋 The South Korean giant secured a 30% stake in MinRes' premium lithium assets. This values the combined Wodgina and Mt Marion portfolio at $3.9 billion. Key Deal Metrics: POSCO investment: US$765M (~A$1.2B) MinRes retains 70% control Effective 35% interest in each mine 22% debt reduction potential Strategic Value Creation: MinRes shares hit 12-month highs of $52 following the announcement. The partnership provides immediate capital injection whilst preserving operational control. POSCO brings downstream processing expertise and established battery manufacturer relationships. Market Impact: This transaction establishes a precedent for international critical minerals partnerships. It demonstrates how Australian miners can leverage foreign expertise whilst maintaining sovereignty. The vertical integration strengthens Australia's position in global battery supply chains. Timeline Considerations: FIRB approval required with completion expected by H1 2026. Operations continue normally under existing agreements during the transition. Enjoy this summary? Hit the 'like' button to let us know. Stay up to date with lithium sector developments by following this page. Read the complete partnership analysis and financial implications here: https://lnkd.in/gK7RkqT4 #

Mineral Resources Limited Corporation (ASX: MIN) has signed a binding agreement with POSCO Holdings Inc. for a strategic lithium partnership. POSCO Holdings will acquire a 30% interest in a new joint venture holding MinRes’ existing 50% ownership of the Wodgina and Mt Marion lithium mines for US$765 million. MinRes will retain a 70% interest in the JV and remain operator of both mines, with proceeds from the transaction earmarked to strengthen MinRes’ balance sheet and fund future growth. POSCO Holdings will secure offtake rights proportional to its equity, underpinning future downstream investments. #lithium Read more: https://lnkd.in/dB5NJWJb

⛏️ 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗥𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗢𝗦𝗖𝗢 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘂𝗺 𝗷𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 MinRes and POSCO Holdings have entered into a binding agreement in which POSCO will acquire 30% of MinRes’ operational lithium business under a new incorporated joint venture (JV) for a total upfront cash consideration of US$765M. MinRes will retain a 70% interest in the new JV. The partnership affords POSCO access to spodumene capacity equivalent to 30ktpy LCE contained, underpinning its downstream processing ambitions. ➡️ Project Blue's Senior Analyst Jordan Roberts has taken a closer look - read more on our website: https://lnkd.in/efQ2R3V6 ➡️ To speak to Jordan and our global team, and to learn more about our 𝗟𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘂𝗺 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲, provide your details here: https://lnkd.in/eWQGiKgm #lithium #criticalmaterials David Merriman Luke Allum Dominic Wells

POSCO Holdings has announced a $1.2 billion AUD investment in Mineral Resources' lithium operations. This marks the largest Korean corporate acquisition in Australia's lithium sector. 🎯 Deal Structure: → 30% stake in MinRes' lithium division → Indirect 15% ownership in Wodgina and Mt Marion facilities → Guaranteed spodumene concentrate access → MinRes retains 70% operational control ⏰ Perfect Market Timing Lithium prices have doubled since June 2024, reaching US$1,012 per tonne by November 2025. This 97% price recovery reflects strengthening EV and energy storage demand. 📊 Strategic Benefits: ✓ First major Korean investment in Australian hard-rock lithium ✓ Reduces supply chain concentration risks ✓ Enables downstream processing facility development ✓ Strengthens Australia-Korea critical minerals cooperation 💰 Financial Impact MinRes will use the entire proceeds for debt reduction, optimising their balance sheet whilst maintaining operational expertise. POSCO gains secure feedstock for their battery materials expansion strategy. 🔮 Industry Implications This deal establishes a $4 billion valuation benchmark for Australian lithium assets and could trigger additional Asian investment in the sector. Transaction completion is expected in H1 2026, pending regulatory approvals. Enjoy this summary? Hit the 'like' button to let us know. Stay up to date with lithium market developments by following this page. Read the complete analysis of POSCO's strategic investment and market implications: https://lnkd.in/g9zQxNui