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Core Viewpoint - The lithium carbonate market is experiencing significant fluctuations in sentiment and prices due to factors such as the suspension of lithium mining in Jiangxi, a recovering macroeconomic environment, and tightening supply [1] Group 1: Supply Dynamics - In Australia, Pilgangoora mine is expected to accelerate production in Q4 to meet fiscal year targets, while Kathleen Valley mine has room for increased output after transitioning to underground production [2] - In Africa, the Goulamina mine in Mali is ramping up production, with expectations for further increases in November and December, and the Bougouni mine has begun shipping its first batch of ore [2] - In Brazil, the Mibra Mine is resuming production, which may lead to a slight increase in output [2] - Domestic production in China is expected to remain stable, with challenges in the recovery of certain mines, while lithium spodumene output may see seasonal declines [2] Group 2: Lithium Extraction Methods - For spodumene extraction, raw material supply is abundant, and the main market challenge is the peak in smelting capacity, which is expected to expand alongside spodumene lithium extraction capacity [3] - Mica extraction is limited by raw material supply, leading to stable production in the short term [3] - Recent additions of over 70,000 tons of new capacity in salt lake lithium extraction, primarily using DLE technology, are expected to boost production despite lower temperatures [3] Group 3: Market Trends - In South America, SQM in Chile anticipates a 10% increase in annual lithium salt sales, with a significant rise in shipments in the second half of the year [5] - Argentina's Tres Quebradas salt lake project has commenced production, with a planned capacity of 20,000 tons per year, while other projects are gradually resuming operations [5] - Overall, domestic lithium carbonate supply is expected to continue growing due to increased production from spodumene and salt lake sources [6] Group 4: Future Outlook - In the short term, both supply and demand for lithium carbonate are increasing, but a slowdown in demand growth and a deceleration in inventory reduction may weaken price support [7] - The recent recovery in the macroeconomic environment has led to a general rise in commodity prices, including lithium carbonate, although supply disruptions have caused significant price drops [7]