Contemporary Amperex Technology, or CATL, will buy Millennial Lithium in cash after a bidding war with lithium manufacturer Ganfeng. (The Logic)

Talking point: Miners and other business leaders have expressed mounting concerns about securing Canada’s critical-mineral resources as China has tightened its hold on electric-vehicle battery metals around the world. Lithium is particularly vulnerable to shortages at the moment and prices soared this month. CATL, meanwhile, is one of just seven companies responsible for supplying over 90 per cent of EV battery metals, according to Toronto-based research firm Adamas Intelligence. New rules in Canada this year signalled stricter scrutiny on foreign investments in the critical-mineral supply chain. Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada did not immediately respond to The Logic’s request for comment on whether the acquisition of Millennial, which currently operates two projects in South America, would be subject to stricter investment oversight.