Significant strides have been made in the resumption of production at CATL's (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited) Jianxiawo lithium mine in Yichun. This progress comes after the Jiangxi Provincial Department of Natural Resources publicly disclosed pertinent documents, encompassing the assessment report on the transfer benefits of the mining rights for this particular mine.

It's worth noting that both the initial holder of exploration rights and the current holder of mining rights for this mine is Yichun Times, a subsidiary under the umbrella of CATL. Initially, the assessment was solely focused on ceramic clay mines. However, following the enactment of the new Mineral Resources Law, lithium has been designated as an independent mineral category. This change mandates the registration of alterations to the primary mineral type and necessitates a re-evaluation of the transfer benefits.

The most recent assessment reveals that the evaluated transfer benefits for the lithium mineral resources that have been utilized but not yet disposed of surpass the benchmark price. Consequently, this suggests that CATL might be required to make an additional payment of approximately 177 million yuan.

The publication of the assessment report signifies a pivotal advancement in the compliance procedures necessary for the mine's resumption of production. Nevertheless, it is anticipated that production will not recommence earlier than mid-to-late December. In August of this year, the mine temporarily halted operations due to the expiration of its mining permit. The actual cause of the suspension, however, stemmed from a discrepancy between the mineral types listed in the mining permit and those that were actually being mined.

Moreover, several local mines in Yichun are also undergoing adjustments to the mineral types they mine. All eight mining enterprises involved in lithium extraction have submitted their reports on verifying reserves for the purpose of mineral type changes. Interface News reached out to CATL for comment on the matter of the additional payment but did not receive a response.