Key Takeaways RIO is scaling lithium fast via Arcadium Lithium buy and other projects in South America. LAC's Thacker Pass aims for 40,000 tons annually, backed by DOE equity and loan to secure U.S. lithium supply.ALB and SQM are also making efforts to expand global lithium capacity, and boost output, efficiency and scale.After a tough 2025, the global lithium market is gearing up for a new growth cycle. Prices fell about 90% by mid-year from their 2022 peak levels as electric vehicle (EV) demand slowed and ...