MINERALS: LITHIUM

WHY IN NEWS?

Lithium demand rises due to EV industry

LITHIUM

It is a soft, silvery-white alkali metal.

Like all alkali metals, lithium is highly reactive and flammable, and must be stored in vacuum, inert atmosphere

ORES:

Lithium does not occur as the metal in nature, but is found combined in small amounts in nearly all igneous rocks(hard rock) and in the waters of many mineral springs(Brines)

Spodumene, petalite, lepidolite, and amblygonite are the more important minerals containing lithium.

USES

• The most important use of lithium is in rechargeable batteries for mobile phones, laptops, digital cameras and electric vehicles. Lithium is also used in some non-rechargeable batteries for things like heart pacemakers, toys and clocks.
• Lithium metal is made into alloys with aluminium and magnesium, improving their strength and making them lighter. Aluminium-lithium alloys are used in aircraft, bicycle frames and high-speed trains.
• Lithium oxide is used in special glasses and glass ceramics.
• Lithium stearate is used as an all-purpose and high-temperature lubricant.
• Lithium carbonate is used in drugs to treat manic depression, although its action on the brain is still not fully understood.
• Lithium hydride is used as a means of storing hydrogen for use as a fuel.

GLOBAL PRODUCTION

Australia is the largest producer of lithium accounting for 52% of global production.

World’s leading producers:

1.Australia

2.Chile

3.China

WORLDWIDE RESERVES

Largest reserve with

1. Bolivia 21Mt
2. Argentina 19Mt
3. Chile 8Mt

These 3 countries form the lithium triangle.

4.Australia

LITHIUM RESERVES IN INDIA

Salal-Haimna, Reasi District, Jammu & Kashmir: 5.9 Mt

Mandya of Karnataka

GLOBAL CONSUMPTION

China is the largest consumers of lithium in the world. It holds 60% of the refining capacity for lithium batteries.

GLOBAL TRADE

EXPORT:

In 2021 top exporters included Chile, Australia, China etc.

IMPORTS

In 2021 top importers  based on value were China, Japan etc.

India’s import reliance for lithium: 100%, mostly from China.