For what it's worth, production at Olaroz in Argentina was up 35% from the previous corresponding period to 3,093 tonnes of lithium carbonate, while quarterly sales revenue was down 21% quarter-on-quarter to US$22.1 million on the back of a realised average price achieved of $7,111/t FOB.

With cash costs at $4,885/t, a gross margin of $2,226/t was revealed, down 40% from the June period - again, mainly due to lower pricing.

Net group cash fell from $181 million to $151 million quarter-on-quarter.

Orocobre expects to produce higher value lithium product in the December quarter due to seasonal factors.

Meanwhile, the cost of its it hydroxide joint venture in Japan has risen about 15% to $90 million with the addition of a kiln that's expected to lower operating costs, while the company will get a better fix on the capex for the Olaroz stage two expansion in the current quarter.

Shares in Orocobre were down 4% to A$2.27 per share in midday trade, capitalising the company at $600 million.

The stock was at $5 last November.