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| Fig. 1: Clayton Valley, Nevada lithium-brine evaporating ponds, typically containing lithium chloride. (Source: Wikimedia Commons). |
By 2030 the annual demand for lithium in the United States for vehicle batteries may require approximately 130,000 t of lithium carbonate (25,000 t lithium), depending on battery chemistry. [1] With that said, we can see that lithium mining, a global industry, has the potential to be an important part in our future. This global industry spans countries such as Australia, Chile, United States, Brazil, China, and Argentina not only for its inclusion into rechargeable batteries but also ceramics, glass, lubricating greases, etc. [2] One particular location within the United States can be seen in Fig. 1. This location, Clayton Valley, Nevada, produced approximately 1710 metric tons of contained lithium carbonate in 2008, a small amount compared to the projection of 117,000 t that may be needed in 2030. [3] Overall, this need for lithium is driven by the clean energy revolution, for example, electric vehicles and renewable energy storage. [3]
As we look at the distribution across use cases, a report by USGS in 2023 states, showing a high demand for batteries at 80%, with lubrication greases 4%, mold flux powders at 2%, air treatment 1%, medical applications 1%, and other uses at 5%. With that said, it is also important to look at the annual average-nominal price of battery-grade lithium carbonate because price can be a dramatic deterrent and the need for low-cost solutions is needed. For example, per U.S. Geological Survey, Mineral Commodity Summaries, January 2023, dollars per metric ton increase from 16,000 in 2018 to 37000 in 2022 with import percentages: Argentina, 51%; Chile, 40%; China, 4%; Russia, 3%; and other, 2% (domestic data withheld due to proprietary data). [2] To date, there are a lot of well-established internal combustion engine automobile companies shifting efforts to produce lithium-ion power vehicles, for example, Audi, BMW, Telsa, Nissan, Honda, to name a few. [3]
These results are showing that lithium is serving an important role in our clean energy revolution, with the highest demand for batteries. As we look to improve our environment in a more sustainable manner, the significance of lithium and other viable technological bases solutions will become even more important.
© Gregory Zaborski Jr. The author warrants that the work is the author's own and that Stanford University provided no input other than typesetting and referencing guidelines. The author grants permission to copy, distribute and display this work in unaltered form, with attribution to the author, for noncommercial purposes only. All other rights, including commercial rights, are reserved to the author.
[1] L. Gaines, "Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling Processes: Research Towards a Sustainable Course," Technologies 17, e00068 (2009).
[2] "Mineral Commodity Summaries 2023," U.S. Geological Survey, January 2023, p. 108.
[3] T. G. Goonan, "Lithium Use in Batteries," U.S. Geological Survey, Circular 1371, 2012.
