Global lithium production will triple in the next four years

SMM8, 22 July: the high growth in demand for lithium batteries will triple lithium production at lithium mines over the next four years and increase new lithium production capacity by 86000 tons, according to GlobalData data.

The world's largest producer is the SQM market leader, accounting for 25 per cent of global production-followed by Talison, with 24 per cent, Albemarle with 17 per cent and Talison, with 9 per cent.

Over the next four years, Australia will account for the largest share of additional capacity, accounting for 37 per cent, opening mines in Pilgangoora,Wodgina,Bald Hill and Mt Holland.

This was followed by Argentina (29 per cent), Canada (16 per cent), Chile (9 per cent), the United States (6 per cent) and Mexico (4 per cent).

As a result of continued exploration, global lithium resources have increased significantly, totaling more than 53 million tons, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The American lithium resources identified from continental brine, geothermal brine, lithium montmorillonite, oil field brine and pegmatite have been revised to 6.8 million tons.

The lithium resources identified in other countries have been revised to about 47 million tons.

The amount of lithium resources determined by Argentina is 9.8 million tons; Bolivia, 9 million tons; Chile, 8.4 million tons; China, 7 million tons; Australia, 5 million tons; Canada, 1.9 million tons; Congo (Kinshasa), Russia and Serbia, 1 million tons each; Czech Republic, 840000 tons; Zimbabwe, 500000 tons; Spain, 400000 tons; Mali, 200000 tons; Brazil and Mexico, 180000 tons each; Portugal 100000 tons; and Austria, 50, 000 tons.

(article compiled from external network)