LG Energy Solution signs 10-year US lithium supply deal with Smackover Lithium

LG Energy Solution is deepening its push to localize critical-mineral sourcing in North America, securing a long-term lithium supply deal with a U.S. developer as it prepares for rising demand for electric vehicles (EV) and energy storage systems (ESS). The company said on Tuesday that it has signed a 10-year deal to secure lithium carbonate from U.S.-based lithium developer Smackover Lithium. Under the agreement, the company will receive a total of 80,000 metric tons of lithium carbonate over 10 years, with deliveries set to begin in 2029, when Smackover Lithium is expected to start commercial production. It said the volume is enough to make batteries for about 1.8 million high-performance EVs with a range of more than 500 kilometers on a single charge. “The agreement marks another step toward establishing a solid and resilient supply chain that keeps our products competitive in key strategic markets,” said Lee Kang-yeol, LG Energy Solution’s procurement center leader. “By bringing both battery production and sourcing to the United States, we will deliver competitive and sustain