A jump in demand for traditional lead-acid car batteries and lingering freight problems have created shortages that have been felt most acutely in the huge US automotive sector.
Surging demand and prices for commodities including platinum-group metals, iron ore, manganese and coal are generating record mining-company profits and bolstering government revenue.
Company approved the final construction and development of its cobalt operations in the US state of Idaho, with the first production expected in mid-2022.