Independent analysis of the lithium hydroxide market out to 2025

The business case for downstream refining of battery-grade lithium hydroxide

SFA (Oxford) presented a detailed current and forecast lithium hydroxide (LiOH) market balance and analytical report to assess the medium-term LiOH market dynamics and pricing to advance the investment case for a new plant on behalf of a lithium producer.

Indicative valuation of a cobalt deposit in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

An independent articulation of the investment case

A significant mining conglomerate requested SFA (Oxford) to evaluate a cobalt deposit in the DRC and appraise its investment potential. The team assessed the resource potential, mining strategy, processing routes, and developed an NPV model to evaluate the attractiveness of the resource using different market price scenarios and critical project success factors.

Helping to find end-user targets on behalf of a lithium supply chain participant 

Identifying new strategic partners

Working with a lithium supply chain participant, SFA (Oxford) helped management to pinpoint new OEM customers for future commercial success.

Evaluating nickel assets on behalf of a client

Supporting growth strategies in new markets

SFA (Oxford) helped to assess nickel targets across the Americas for acquisition.

The team assessed the targets in context with global peer groups, provided long-term price forecasts for financial models, and evaluated downstream processing optionality and offtake agreements.

Part of a due diligence team evaluating nickel processing plants

Assessing off-take targets for acquisition

The SFA (Oxford) analysts have aided a client to evaluate nickel processing plants across the globe for successful acquisition. To support the due diligence team we contextualised nickel targets, provided product price forecasts and augmented transactional rationale with detailed analysis and risks of changing the product portfolio to serve the battery industry and assessed average realised premiums.

Lithium asset due diligence in North America

Mining and processing technical support and asset benchmarking

SFA (Oxford) was tasked to assist the due diligence team of a potential new lithium mine in North America. Along with a site visit, the team analysed all facets of the company and project including its corporate structure, peer-group benchmarking, reviewing the mine plan, processing plant evaluation and offtake partner assessment.

Nickel and copper due diligence in Eurasia

Evaluation for acquisition

Conducted a three-month on-site due diligence of a major nickel-copper mine cluster and processing complex. 

Asia-Pacific Rim nickel-cobalt producer’s study

Nickel laterites and HPAL processing assessment

SFA (Oxford) conducted a regional analysis of all Asia-Pacific Rim nickel-cobalt producers from nickel laterite deposits, to identify all regional players, volumes and trading links, as well as focusing on HPAL (high-pressure acid lead) operations and projects, and providing a 5-year price view of the nickel and cobalt markets.