Exclusive-Thailand aims for lithium output in two years, boosting EV ambitions

Thailand hopes to start producing lithium from a mine in its southwest in about two years, boosting its ambitions to become a regional electric vehicle (EV) production hub, according to government and company officials involved in the project. The silvery-white element is a key metal for EV batteries and establishing lithium mines would put Thailand in a unique position compared to other major producers because it is also developing an EV production industry, including $1.44 billion in investment commitments from Chinese carmakers. Miner Pan Asia Metals is preparing to submit mining licenses in March for the Reung Kiet project in Thailand's Phang-Nga province that consists of the prospective Reung Kiet and Bang I Tum sites.