popular articles

Imerys aims for green light on lithium pilot plant before summer

Industrial minerals group Imerys plans to approve the investment for a lithium ore processing pilot plant in Échassières before summer 2025. Meanwhile, the company is seeking industrial and financial partners to support this strategic project.

Please share:

Industrial minerals specialist Imerys is accelerating its lithium extraction and processing project in France. The company expects to finalise the investment decision for the construction of a pilot plant in Échassières, in the Allier region, by summer 2025. This initiative is part of Imerys’ strategy to strengthen its position in the lithium market, a crucial component for electric vehicle battery production.

An investment pending approval

During the presentation of its 2024 financial results, Imerys’ Chief Financial Officer Sébastien Rouge highlighted the need to reaffirm several economic parameters before officially launching this next phase. He noted that building permit applications had already been submitted, but the company was taking its time due to the current decline in lithium prices, which eases pressure on deadlines.

The group does not intend to undertake this project alone and is actively seeking industrial and financial partners to join the venture. Sébastien Rouge expressed confidence that lithium prices would recover by the end of the decade, potentially improving the project’s profitability.

Financial performance impacted in 2024

In 2024, Imerys posted a net loss of €95 million, compared to a net profit of €51 million in 2023. This downturn was primarily due to a €374 million exceptional charge related to the divestment of its paper market activities. However, Sébastien Rouge reassured investors that this charge did not affect the company’s equity.

Despite a 5% decline in revenue to €3.6 billion, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) and margins improved. With 40% of its revenue linked to a struggling construction sector, Imerys is relying on strategic acquisitions to support its 2025 growth.

Strategic investments for 2025

Beyond its lithium project in France, Imerys plans to invest in a calcium aluminate plant in India and expand black carbon production capacity in Belgium, a key component for lithium-ion batteries. Meanwhile, its new talc plant in China aims to develop solutions for lighter automotive bodies.

These initiatives reflect Imerys’ commitment to diversifying its activities and seizing opportunities in growing markets while adapting to fluctuations in raw material prices.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Recently published in

The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency is pursuing Gensol for a total default of over Rs 7.28 billion ($90.91mn), now targeting its electric vehicle leasing business.
The International Energy Agency expects electric vehicles to cut oil demand by 5 million barrels per day by 2030, down from a previous estimate of 6 million, citing economic and trade uncertainties.
The International Energy Agency expects electric vehicles to cut oil demand by 5 million barrels per day by 2030, down from a previous estimate of 6 million, citing economic and trade uncertainties.
Adani Enterprises has launched a hydrogen-powered truck at a public mine in Chhattisgarh, marking a first in India for heavy transport in the mining sector.
Adani Enterprises has launched a hydrogen-powered truck at a public mine in Chhattisgarh, marking a first in India for heavy transport in the mining sector.
Shipbuilder Incat has unveiled a 130-metre electric catamaran designed for Buquebus, intended to connect Montevideo to Buenos Aires with a capacity of 2,100 passengers.
Shipbuilder Incat has unveiled a 130-metre electric catamaran designed for Buquebus, intended to connect Montevideo to Buenos Aires with a capacity of 2,100 passengers.
Ferrari unveiled on April 29 the 296 Speciale, a lighter and optimised version of the 296 GTB, featuring an 880 hp hybrid powertrain and aerodynamic innovations inspired by racing.
As electric vehicles now account for more than half of new registrations in China, domestic gasoline demand is showing tangible signs of slowing down, raising significant strategic questions for refiners, according to the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies.
As electric vehicles now account for more than half of new registrations in China, domestic gasoline demand is showing tangible signs of slowing down, raising significant strategic questions for refiners, according to the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies.
Sanef, Engie and Ceva Logistics have launched in France a first corridor for electric trucks, structured like modern postal relays, aiming to improve the efficiency of long-distance transport.
Sanef, Engie and Ceva Logistics have launched in France a first corridor for electric trucks, structured like modern postal relays, aiming to improve the efficiency of long-distance transport.
Tesla sales saw a significant drop in March, with a 36% decrease compared to the previous year, according to data from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association. The brand faces increased competition and the consequences of its image.
Tesla sales saw a significant drop in March, with a 36% decrease compared to the previous year, according to data from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association. The brand faces increased competition and the consequences of its image.
Tesla reported a sharp decline in its quarterly results, driven by weakened demand and an increasingly divisive political stance from CEO Elon Musk.
Elon Musk will partially step back from his role in Donald Trump’s government commission to focus on Tesla, which has been impacted by declining quarterly results and tensions in several markets.
Elon Musk will partially step back from his role in Donald Trump’s government commission to focus on Tesla, which has been impacted by declining quarterly results and tensions in several markets.
Havre-based shipowner Towt continues its sail-powered maritime operations between Le Havre and New York despite new US tariffs, while announcing fleet expansion to eight vessels by 2027.
Havre-based shipowner Towt continues its sail-powered maritime operations between Le Havre and New York despite new US tariffs, while announcing fleet expansion to eight vessels by 2027.
Swedish automaker Polestar sold 12,304 vehicles in the first quarter of 2025, a notable increase despite an uncertain economic context.
Swedish automaker Polestar sold 12,304 vehicles in the first quarter of 2025, a notable increase despite an uncertain economic context.
Sinopec and CATL have signed a strategic agreement to build 10,000 battery swap stations in China, marking a turning point in the country's electric mobility infrastructure.
Ionity, Fastned, Electra and Atlante will launch a joint platform this summer allowing drivers to access their fast-charging networks across 25 countries without additional formalities.
Ionity, Fastned, Electra and Atlante will launch a joint platform this summer allowing drivers to access their fast-charging networks across 25 countries without additional formalities.
Elon Musk announced that Tesla will increase its electric vehicle production in the United States over the next two years. This statement comes as the company faces declining sales and stock market volatility.
Elon Musk announced that Tesla will increase its electric vehicle production in the United States over the next two years. This statement comes as the company faces declining sales and stock market volatility.
In January 2025, hybrid vehicle registrations in Europe reached 34.9% of the market, surpassing petrol models at 29.4%, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA).
In January 2025, hybrid vehicle registrations in Europe reached 34.9% of the market, surpassing petrol models at 29.4%, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA).
The Italian competition regulator has launched an investigation into the information provided by BYD, Stellantis, Tesla, and Volkswagen regarding the range and battery warranty of their electric vehicles.
Volocopter, a major player in air mobility, partners with a French company to deploy electric flying taxis in Paris. This strategic partnership aims to transform urban mobility while addressing the economic challenges linked to technological transition.
Volocopter, a major player in air mobility, partners with a French company to deploy electric flying taxis in Paris. This strategic partnership aims to transform urban mobility while addressing the economic challenges linked to technological transition.
The U.S. State Department has revised a document announcing a $400 million contract for the purchase of armored electric vehicles from Tesla. Elon Musk’s company ultimately did not receive any official contract, despite a strong market reaction.
The U.S. State Department has revised a document announcing a $400 million contract for the purchase of armored electric vehicles from Tesla. Elon Musk’s company ultimately did not receive any official contract, despite a strong market reaction.
France announces a 3 billion euro investment to accelerate the installation of fast charging stations for electric vehicles, aiming to meet growing demand and support the energy transition.
France announces a 3 billion euro investment to accelerate the installation of fast charging stations for electric vehicles, aiming to meet growing demand and support the energy transition.
The European Union is taking action to support the European automotive industry in the face of increasing competition from China and the need for vehicle electrification, promising emergency measures and flexibilities to preserve jobs and competitiveness.
Stricter environmental score criteria are imposing strategic changes on manufacturers, favoring local production and redefining the dynamics of the electric vehicle market in Europe.
Stricter environmental score criteria are imposing strategic changes on manufacturers, favoring local production and redefining the dynamics of the electric vehicle market in Europe.
In 2024, electric car sales dropped by 27%, reflecting the impact of subsidy cuts and regulatory pressures in a Germany seeking solutions to revive its automotive industry.
In 2024, electric car sales dropped by 27%, reflecting the impact of subsidy cuts and regulatory pressures in a Germany seeking solutions to revive its automotive industry.
The UK automobile market achieved 19.6% electric vehicle sales in 2024, falling short of the 22% target set by the government, raising regulatory and strategic challenges for industry players.
The UK automobile market achieved 19.6% electric vehicle sales in 2024, falling short of the 22% target set by the government, raising regulatory and strategic challenges for industry players.

Advertising