By Scott Murdoch and Poonam BehuraEmerging Australian lithium companies are experiencing a surge in buyouts as their lower valuations and cash needs lure some of the world's top producers of lithium and others racing to secure supplies. "We see the offer as bullish for lithium, signalling that the largest producer is keen to secure more supply at a premium, or has a bullish view on long-term price with low jurisdictional risk. Liontown controls two major lithium deposits in Western Australia, with first production set for mid-2024 from its flagship Kathleen Valley project, which is among the world's largest and highest-grade hard rock lithium deposits