Canada's first commercial electrochemical lithium refinery has opened in Delta, British Columbia, marking a milestone for domestic battery-grade lithium production. The facility, operated by Mangrove Lithium , will supply 1,000 tonnes of refined lithium annually, enough for roughly 25,000 electric vehicles. China currently controls about half of the global lithium market, and the Canadian government is backing Mangrove as part of a broader critical minerals push under Prime Minister Mark Carney. The Delta plant's 1,000-tonne capacity translates to support for 25,000 EVs per year. A planned Eastern Canada expansion could scale output to 500,000 EVs annually by refining lithium and processing spodumene sourced from Canadian mines. Industry analysts note that 2026 is shaping up to be a 'hot year for lithium,' and half of the global lithium market is controlled by China alone. Dr. Saad Dara, CEO and Founder of Mangrove Lithium, said the refinery proves lithium can be refined domestically, sustainably, and competitively. Tim Hodgson, Canadian Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, highlighted that the project strengthens Canada's low-carbon potential and job creation. The EE Times described China's dominance as 'almost a moat' around battery production. With the Delta facility operational, Canada is positioned to reduce reliance on Chinese lithium imports, enhance energy security, and support the growing EV and grid-scale storage markets. The expansion plan signals a commitment to a sovereign supply chain that could meet the projected demand for battery-grade lithium in the coming decade.