Police escorts for key supplies and arrests at picket lines has further sapped the protester's power.

While Vietnam has reported very few COVID-19 cases, it moved quickly to close its border with China, blocking key supplies.

Some labs also have reported shortages of other key supplies and ingredients, as well as the need for more trained personnel.

On its website, Geopacific said its civil works programme commenced on the island in December with the arrival of key supplies and equipment.

The battle to supply minerals to electric vehicles is intensifying rapidly across the globe, with investors and producers jockeying for access to key supplies.