Electric two wheeler makers are bracing for margin pressure and possible price hikes as raw material costs jump and supply chains stay disrupted. Geopolitical tensions are intensifying the hit on critical inputs like lithium ion cells. At the same time, rising global demand for AI infrastructure is tightening memory chip availability, leaving manufacturers scrambling and raising costs.
India and Russia are reportedly in advanced talks for a critical minerals pact that would span exploration, processing and technology for resources like lithium and rare earths. The proposed framework is designed to reduce India’s dependence on China while enabling easier corporate investment. If finalized, it could strengthen long-term access to inputs key for clean energy and high-tech manufacturing.
Your news, in seconds
Get the Beige app — every story in 60 words, updated hourly. Free on iOS & Android.
Scientists report that common fool’s gold, or pyrite, contains lithium—an unexpected twist for a mineral long dismissed as worthless. The finding could reshape lithium supply by turning overlooked deposits into an additional source, potentially cutting reliance on new mining. If confirmed at scale, this could help meet demand for batteries and renewable-energy storage with less environmental disruption.
A new lithium operation in western Finland is the first in Europe designed to cover the full chain of lithium production, from mining through refining. Ore is crushed at the site, processed into a sand like concentrate at a nearby concentrator plant, then shipped for battery quality lithium hydroxide production—potentially tightening Europe’s supply for batteries.
Swipe through stories, personalise your feed, and save articles for later — all on the app.
