Separation ponds at an Albemarle lithium mine in Chile. After discovery of a metal, it often takes years before mining companies begin production. Photo: Tamara Merino for The Wall Street JournalAmerica’s transition to electric vehicles is running into an unexpected snarl. A surprising crash in prices for lithium, cobalt and other metals used in EV batteries is hitting mining companies, which are suspending or delaying new projects and expansions. The disruptions are threatening to deepen shortages of those materials in coming years and hit the brakes on the Biden administration’s timeline for weaning the country off gas-powered cars.

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Persons: Tamara Merino, Biden Organizations: Wall Locations: Albemarle, Chile