China has made substantial gains in lithium exploration, catapulting it to the second spot in the global rankings.
According to the China Geological Survey under the Ministry of Natural Resources, the country’s lithium reserves have surged from 6% to 16.5%, pushing it from sixth to second place worldwide.
A major discovery of a world-class spodumene-type lithium belt, stretching 2,800 kilometres in western China, has been a key factor in this remarkable ascent. Additionally, lithium resources found in the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau’s salt lakes have experienced substantial growth, positioning China as the third-largest salt lake lithium resource base globally.
Chinese researchers have also made a significant technical breakthrough in extracting lithium from lepidolite, a mineral with high lithium content that has been notoriously difficult and costly to process. This achievement is expected to further boost China’s lithium production capabilities.
Lithium is a crucial element for a wide range of emerging industries, including electric vehicles, energy storage systems, mobile communications, medical treatments, and nuclear reactor fuel.
As the world’s demand for lithium continues to grow, China’s increased domestic exploration is expected to reduce its reliance on foreign supplies and contribute to a more balanced global lithium market, experts say.
This development is a significant milestone for China, which has been actively pursuing lithium exploration and production in recent years. With its growing reserves and improved extraction technologies, China is poised to play a major role in shaping the global lithium market. The country’s efforts to reduce its dependence on foreign lithium supplies will also have a positive impact on its energy security and economic development.
As the world transitions towards a more sustainable and technology-driven future, the demand for lithium is expected to continue growing.
China’s emergence as a major player in the global lithium market is likely to have far-reaching implications for the industry, and the country’s continued investment in lithium exploration and production will be closely watched by investors, researchers, and industry experts alike.
