IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
Momenta Quietly Moves Toward Hong Kong IPO Amid Rising China-U.S. Tensions 
European Stocks Rise as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
BOJ Faces Pressure for Clarity, but Neutral Rate Estimates Likely to Stay Vague 
Proxy Advisors Urge Vote Against ANZ’s Executive Pay Report Amid Scandal Fallout 
Asia’s IPO Market Set for Strong Growth as China and India Drive Investor Diversification 
Airline Loyalty Programs Face New Uncertainty as Visa–Mastercard Fee Settlement Evolves 
Home ownership is slipping out of reach. It’s time to rethink our fear of ‘forever renting’ 
Wall Street Rebounds as Investors Eye Tariff Uncertainty, Jobs Report 
Dollar Holds Steady as Markets Shift Focus to 2026 Rate Cut Expectations 
ExxonMobil to Shut Older Singapore Steam Cracker Amid Global Petrochemical Downturn 
Anthropic Reportedly Taps Wilson Sonsini as It Prepares for a Potential 2026 IPO 
SoftBank Eyes Up to $25B OpenAI Investment Amid AI Boom 
UK Markets Face Rising Volatility as Hedge Funds Target Pound and Gilts 
Oil Prices Hold Steady as Ukraine Tensions and Fed Cut Expectations Support Market 
Netflix Nearing Major Deal to Acquire Warner Bros Discovery Assets 
Michael Dell Pledges $6.25 Billion to Boost Children’s Investment Accounts Under Trump Initiative 
Exxon Mobil, an oil industry leader, is reportedly discussing with automakers Tesla, Ford, and Volkswagen to supply lithium for electric vehicle batteries. The talks, still in preliminary stages, reveal Exxon's swift push into the lithium sector amid rising global demand. The discussions also involve Samsung and SK On Co, per the report.
Tesla, Ford, and Volkswagen have not responded to Reuters' requests for comment, while Exxon has declined to comment. However, it should be noted that any conversations between Exxon and the automakers are still very early, as Exxon cannot currently produce the battery metal.
Last month, Reuters reported that Exxon had partnered with Tetra Technologies Inc to explore utilizing over 6,100 acres of lithium-rich brine in Arkansas. Earlier this year, Exxon acquired more than 100,000 acres in Arkansas from Galvanic Energy.
Lithium extraction from these will require Exxon to adopt a direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology, a decision that has not been made yet. It is worth noting that no DLE technology has been successfully implemented commercially, despite multiple companies competing to be the first.
In addition to these efforts, Reuters reported last month that Exxon has engaged in discussions with International Battery Metals regarding the potential licensing of DLE technology. Exxon's rapid expansion into the lithium sector reflects the increasing interest from traditional energy companies and others in emerging technologies that enhance the global supply of this lightweight metal.
Furthermore, Exxon Mobil's discussions extend beyond automakers. The company is reportedly in talks with lithium producers, including Albemarle, a chemical company. Albemarle stated that it frequently engages in conversations with various stakeholders in the market.
With the International Energy Agency projecting a peak in global oil demand before the decade's end, Exxon Mobil is actively shifting focus to produce 100,000 tons of lithium annually. In June, the company partnered with Tetra Technologies to mine 6,100 acres of lithium-rich land in Arkansas.
Whether Exxon Mobil will produce the metal in a partnership or independently has not been determined yet, the company is also exploring the potential for lithium extraction from underground saltwater, which could offer a cost-effective and environmentally friendly process.
Photo: Exxon Mobil Newsroom
