Section 9 Independent Consultant’s Industry Report Lithium Power International – Lithium Industry Overview
The LIB has become the dominant cell type for EVs and electronic applications. 9,000
NiCd
NiMH
Lithium
8,000
7,000
Million cells
6,000 5,000 4,000 3,000 2,000 1,000 0
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Source: Avicenne, CRU
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1.4 Description of processing routes Lithium is widely distributed in trace amounts in rocks, salts and natural waters, as shown in the figure below. However, most of the commercial reserves are contained in continental brines (salt flats) and hard rock minerals (generally in the form of spodumene).
Brines, such as continental brines (salars) are mainly found in Argentina, Chile, while geothermal and oilfield brines are located in the US. Brines can be used to produce lithium carbonate, lithium hydroxide and lithium chloride.
Hard rock mineral deposits are mainly found in Australia, the US, China and also in Africa. They mainly produce mineral concentrates for direct technical market sales or conversion into other lithium chemicals, mainly in China.
Chapter 3 includes a detailed description of lithium reserves, resources, and the production outlook for lithium contained in both brines and hard rock minerals.
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INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT’S INDUSTRY REPORT BY CRU CONSULTING
CRU Consulting confidential
LITHIUM POWER INTERNATIONAL
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