ASX lithium shares rocket higher amid Allkem merger news

What's with lithium shares today?

Man with rocket wings which have flames coming out of them.

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Key points

  • ASX lithium shares are storming higher today 
  • Lithium sentiment appears strong following news out of Allkem 
  • Allkem plans to merge with US major lithium player Livent to create "New Co"

ASX lithium shares are in the green today following news Allkem plans to merge with a major United States lithium giant.

Lithium shares rising include:

  • Allkem Ltd (ASX: AKE) shares are soaring 15%
  • Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO) shares are gaining 3%
  • Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) shares are lifting 5%
  • Sayona Mining Ltd (ASX: SYA) shares are leaping 4%
  • Lake Resources N.L. (ASX: LKE) shares are surging 13%
  • Piedmont Lithium Inc (ASX: PLL) shares are jumping 4%
  • Global Lithium Resources Ltd (ASX: GL1) shares are rising 8%

Let's take a look at what's boosting ASX lithium shares today.

What's going on?

Lithium sentiment appears strong on the market today following news out of Allkem.

Allkem and Livent Corp (NYSE: LTHM) are planning to merge into a US$10.6 billion global lithium company known as "New Co".

This deal is due to be finalised by the end of the year, subject to approvals, and would see Allkem shareholders owning 56% of the company, compared to a 44% stake for Livent shareholders.

Allkem's portfolio of lithium assets includes the Olaroz project in Argentina and Mt Cattlin in Western Australia.

Livent Corp shares rocketed 5% in the United States overnight and a further 0.39% in after-hours trade on the New York Stock Exchange.

Headquarters are planned for North America and the company would list on the New York Stock Exchange. A foreign exempt listing via Chess Depository Interests would also be maintained on the ASX.

Commenting on the news, Allkem CEO Martín Pérez de Solay said:

We are bringing together two highly complementary businesses to create a leading global lithium chemicals company, building on Allkem's demonstrated track record of integration.

The vertically integrated NewCo will improve delivery of high-quality, value-added products to our diverse customer base and unlock material synergies. 

Lake Resources is among the ASX lithium shares storming higher today. Lake has four lithium brine projects in Argentina including the Olaroz and Kachi projects.

Meanwhile, the lithium price is also continuing to recover. Lithium carbonate (99.5% battery grade) has risen 6.65% on the Shanghai Metals Market to US$30,173.22.

Lithium hydroxide (56.5% battery grade) is also up 1.56% to US$28,219.56.

In the United States overnight, Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile (NYSE: SWM) shares jumped 1.29%, while Albermarle Corporation (NYSE: ALB) shares slipped 0.34%.

Share price snapshot

Allkem shares have risen 32% in the last year, while Lake shares have fallen 60%.

Pilbara Minerals has exploded 82% in the past year, while Core Lithium shares have slid 8% and Sayona Mining shares have lost 17%.

Created with Highcharts 11.4.3Pilbara Minerals + Core Lithium + Sayona Mining PriceZoom1M3M6MYTD1Y5Y10YALLwww.fool.com.au

Piedmont Lithium shares have jumped 21% in the last year, while Global Lithium Resource shares have risen 2%.

Created with Highcharts 11.4.3Piedmont Lithium + Global Lithium Resources PriceZoom1M3M6MYTD1Y5Y10YALLwww.fool.com.au

Should you invest $1,000 in Allkem right now?

Before you buy Allkem shares, consider this:

Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Allkem wasn't one of them.

The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys...

See The 5 Stocks *Returns as of 6 March 2025

Motley Fool contributor Monica O'Shea has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Materials Shares

A lion dressed in a business suit roars as two sheep sit awkwardly at the boardroom table.
Materials Shares

Liontown share price roars higher on half year results

This lithium miner has handed in its report card on Friday.

Read more »

A man wearing a shirt, tie and hard hat sits in an office and marks dates in his diary.
Materials Shares

The Rio Tinto share price 'remains undervalued' and could rise 20%+

Goldman Sachs thinks this mining giant is being undervalued by the market.

Read more »

Ecstatic man giving a fist pump in an office hallway.
Materials Shares

Core Lithium shares jumps 7% on golden announcement

This lithium miner could be sitting atop a large gold system.

Read more »

a man holds his arms out and shrugs his shoulders as if indicating he doesn't know the answer to a question he's been asked.
Materials Shares

Why is this ASX 200 mining stock crashing 28% today?

Investors are rushing to the exits in large number. But why?

Read more »

A man checks his phone next to an electric vehicle charging station with his electric vehicle parked in the charging bay.
Materials Shares

Here's the lithium price forecast through to 2028

Will lithium prices be recovering any time soon? Let's find out.

Read more »

A male investor wearing a blue shirt looks off to the side with a miffed look on his face as the share price declines.
Materials Shares

Why is the BHP share price falling today?

Today's decline could actually be good news for the miner's shareholders.

Read more »

Businessman working and using Digital Tablet new business project finance investment at coffee cafe.
Materials Shares

Pilbara Minerals shares crashed 17% in February: Is this a buying opportunity?

Do analysts think that now is a good time to buy this lithium giant's shares? Let's find out.

Read more »

Business people discussing project on digital tablet.
Materials Shares

After a 5% price drop on its 2024 results, should I buy shares in this ASX 200 heavyweight?

Is now a good time to put money into this giant's shares? Let's find out.

Read more »