Lithium miners set to end year on a high as EVs and US government drive demand

Lithium miners are set to finish the year in the green, boosted by demand from electric vehicles and battery storage projects and as the U.S. rushes to boost domestic production and reduce dependence on China

U.S.-listed shares of Standard Lithium SLI.N, which is vying to become the first lithium producer in Arkansas, advanced 211% in 2025

Backed by the US Department of Energy, SLI said it attracted more than $1 billion in financing interest for its Arkansas lithium project

The U.S. government acquired stakes in several companies during 2025, including a 5% stake in Lithium Americas LAC.TO and a separate 5% stake in the Thacker Pass joint venture

The Thacker Pass joint venture is set to be the largest lithium source in the Western Hemisphere; shares of LAC, which operates the JV, have soared 48.4%

Sigma Lithium SGML.O up 20.2%; Albemarle ALB.N, one of the world's largest lithium producers, up 64.9% YTD

U.S.-listed shares of Chile's SQM SQMA.SN, SQM.N gain 89.7% YTD

Brokerage BMO Capital Markets said earlier this month that it sees higher earnings in 2026 vs 2025 with most companies seeing higher volumes and better prices