1 Dec 2023
Processing Startup for Lithium
Around 40 companies in Canada and the United States and 50 companies in Europe began lithium battery recycling operations in 2023, expanding global recycling capacity.
Lithium production
Mined Lithium
Lithium is a mineral commodity obtained through two primary extraction methods: hard rock mining and evaporative pond processing. Hard rock mining involves extracting lithium-bearing ore from underground deposits or open-pit mines, while evaporative ponds collect lithium-rich brine from surface deposits. The extracted lithium resources are then subjected to further processing to isolate the metal. This process is crucial for various applications, including rechargeable batteries, lubricants, and industrial processe...
Lithium is a mineral commodity obtained through two primary extraction methods: hard rock mining and evaporative pond processing. Hard rock mining involves extracting lithium-bearing ore from underground deposits or open-pit mines, while evaporative ponds collect lithium-rich brine from surface deposits.
The extracted lithium resources are then subjected to further processing to isolate the metal. This process is crucial for various applications, including rechargeable batteries, lubricants, and industrial processes. Rechargeable batteries, in particular, rely heavily on lithium as a key component, driving demand for this mineral commodity in the rapidly growing energy storage market.
Global Production History
Global Production Map
Production by Country
Market intelligence
Relevant Events
1 Dec 2023
Regulatory Change for Lithium in China
The Chinese Government's decade-long subsidies for electric vehicle purchases expired in 2023, contributing to lithium oversupply and price decline.
1 Dec 2023
Reserve Revision for Lithium in Argentina
Lithium reserves for Argentina were revised to 3,600,000 metric tons for 2023 based on company and government reports.
1 Dec 2023
Reserve Revision for Lithium in Australia
Lithium reserves for Australia were revised to 56,200,000 metric tons for 2023 based on company and government reports.
1 Dec 2023
Reserve Revision for Lithium in Brazil
Lithium reserves for Brazil were revised to 390,000 metric tons for 2023 based on company and government reports.
1 Dec 2023
Reserve Revision for Lithium in Canada
Lithium reserves for Canada were revised to 930,000 metric tons for 2023 based on company and government reports.
1 Dec 2023
Reserve Revision for Lithium in Chile
Lithium reserves for Chile were revised to 9,300,000 metric tons for 2023 based on company and government reports.
1 Dec 2023
Reserve Revision for Lithium in China
Lithium reserves for China were revised to 3,000,000 metric tons for 2023 based on company and government reports.
1 Dec 2023
Reserve Revision for Lithium in Portugal
Lithium reserves for Portugal were revised to 60,000 metric tons for 2023 based on company and government reports.
1 Dec 2023
Reserve Revision for Lithium in United States
Lithium reserves for the United States were revised to 1,100,000 metric tons for 2023 based on company and government reports.
1 Dec 2023
Reserve Revision for Lithium in Zimbabwe
Lithium reserves for Zimbabwe were revised to 310,000 metric tons for 2023 based on company and government reports.
1 Dec 2023
Resource Revision for Lithium
Measured and indicated lithium resources worldwide were revised upwards due to new exploration data, increasing total resources to approximately 105 million tons.
1 Dec 2023
Resource Revision for Lithium in Other countries
Measured and indicated lithium resources in other countries were revised to 91 million tons in 2023 based on new exploration data.
1 Dec 2023
Resource Revision for Lithium in United States
Measured and indicated lithium resources in the United States were revised to 14 million tons in 2023 based on new exploration data.
31 Dec 2022
Other for Lithium in United States
U.S. Department of Energy selected 12 lithium-based projects funded with $1.6 billion from the 2022 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support new domestic lithium extraction, processing, battery component manufacturing, recycling, and technology development.
1 Dec 2022
Regulatory Change for Lithium in United States
U.S. DOE selected 12 lithium-based projects funded with $1.6 billion under the 2022 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support new commercial-scale domestic lithium facilities.
1 Dec 2022
Regulatory Change for Lithium in United States
The 2022 U.S. Inflation Reduction Act added tax incentives to consolidate sourcing of battery materials and manufacturing of EVs to North American and U.S.-partner countries.
1 Nov 2022
Processing Startup for Lithium in Canada
Construction of lithium battery recycling plants accelerated, with 44 companies in Canada beginning or planning to start operations as of November 2022.
1 Nov 2022
Processing Startup for Lithium in United States
Construction of lithium battery recycling plants accelerated, with 44 companies in the United States beginning or planning to start operations as of November 2022.
27 Oct 2019
Mine Expansion for Lithium in Australia
Sichuan Tianqi Lithium announced plans to double production capacity to 48,000 t/yr of lithium concentrate at the Greenbushes mine, beginning in late 2019.
16 Mar 2019
Mine Expansion for Lithium in Australia
Talison Lithium (Sichuan Tianqi Lithium/Albemarle) announced a mine expansion at the Greenbushes mine to increase production to 165,000 t/yr of lithium concentrate.
16 Mar 2019
Processing Expansion for Lithium in Chile
Albemarle announced a further expansion of lithium carbonate capacity to 100,000 t/yr, indicating continued growth in its Chilean production.
2019
Reserve Revision for Lithium in Argentina
Lithium reserves for Argentina were revised upward based on new government and industry data.
2019
Reserve Revision for Lithium in Australia
Lithium reserves for Australia were revised upward based on new government and industry data.
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