EXTRACTION, PROCESSING, CATHODE
MANUFACTURE, (NON-BATTERY) MANUFACTURE, LITHIUM-ION BATTERY (LIB)
MANUFACTURE, LITHIUM IRON PHOSPHATE BATTERY,MANUFACTURE (LFP) AND THE END-USE SECTORS OFAU-
TOMOTIVE, ENERGY AND INDUSTRIAL USE, ELECTRONICS AND OTHER.
EXTRACTION, PROCESSING, CATHODE MANUFACTURE, (NON-BATTERY) MANUFACTURE, LITHIUM-ION BATTERY (LIB)
MANUFACTURE, LITHIUM IRON PHOSPHATE BATTERY,MANUFACTURE (LFP) AND THE END-USE SECTORS OFAU-
TOMOTIVE, ENERGY AND INDUSTRIAL USE, ELECTRONICS AND OTHER.
EXTRACTION, PROCESSING, CATHODE MANUFACTURE, (NON-BATTERY) MAN-
UFACTURE, LITHIUM-ION BATTERY (LIB)
MANUFACTURE, LITHIUM IRON PHOSPHATE BATTERY,MANUFACTURE (LFP) AND THE END-USE SECTORS OFAU-
TOMOTIVE, ENERGY AND INDUSTRIAL USE, ELECTRONICS AND OTHER.
EXTRACTION, PROCESSING, CATHODE MANUFACTURE, (NON-BATTERY) MANUFACTURE, LITHIUM-ION BATTERY (LIB
4
Lithium is a soft, silvery-white, alkali metal. With the lowest density of all metals, Lithium has become ubiquitous in enabling access to a wide range of technological gadgets. Rechargeable batteries for mobile phones, laptops, digital cameras, and electric vehicles; non-rechargeable batteries for heart pacemakers, toys and clocks.
Aluminum-lithium alloys are used in aircraft, bicycle frames and high-speed trains. Lithium oxide is used in special glasses and glass ceramics. Lithium chloride and lithium bromide are used in air conditioning and industrial drying systems. Lithium stearate is used as an all-purpose and high-temperature lubricant.
Lithium carbonate is used in drugs to treat manic depression. Lithium hydride is used as a means of storing hydrogen for use as a fuel.
Lithium is all around us. Chances are that you reading this thanks to a lithium battery.
Globally, the growing lithium demand is driving an increase in the investment on new mining prospecting as countries are trying to secure direct access without dependency on access to other global markets. Today, Chile holds the largest lithium reserves, followed by Australia and Argentina. The discovery of additional deposits worldwide may change the global flows of lithium from extraction to processing and manufacturing.
Three countries report the largest production: Australia, Chile and China, with China being the main processing country. In the last decade, the consumption of lithium for battery manufacturing has increased exponentially, mainly for electronics, electric vehicles and electrical energy storage systems. However, Lithium is also used for ceramics and glass/ lubricating greases, air treatment and continous casting.
Spodumene; Brine; Clay; Recycled materials
Data sources: includes data from The world’s top 10 lithium mining companies, Mining.com
Products
Data
The companies leading the market of lithium operate globally, with shares in many of the largest mines, processing plants, research and development centers, and prominent headquarters. Some of these companies are also partnering with large corporations supplying batteries and more. As an example, Ganfeng Lithium supplies Tesla and BMW. The company has rights to two lithium salt lake brines in Argentina (Pozuelos and Pastos Grandes), it owns a 50% stake in the Goulamina spodumene (lithium aluminium inosilicate) project in Mali; a 55% stake in the Avalonia spodumene project in Ireland; and has stakes in a lithium-containing clay project in Mexico. Ganfeng capacities include battery production and recycling, providing electric vehicle, battery and electronic equipment manufacturers with all raw material supply, battery customization and battery recycling solutions.
This atlas is a compendium that transcends the limits of geography and invites the reader on a journey to track the geographics and flows of lithium, globally, in a series of maps, charts, and diagrams. It provides an engaging and informative way to explore and open the minds to the complex global dynamics of Lithium and its role in shaping our modern world in a visually comprehensive form. The maps in the following spreads show which areas hold the lithium resources, as minerals, and which areas hold, and receive the resources, as capital. Through these maps we trace the material flow of lithium across the planet, from site of extraction to moment of recycling. By tracking the flow of lithium not only from point a to point b but all the way from point of extraction to the point of consumption and then on to its moment of recycling we offer a more complete understanding of lithium.
When selecting a map projection, we wanted one that would require a defamiliarization with common mapping conventions. Our exposure to the same map projections conditions how we see and think about the world: the spatial distribution and relative sizes of continents, and the power relationships between them. The time required to orient oneself to an alternative projection could trigger the audience to be receptive to new ways of thinking. By challenging conventional representation in this way we invite the reader to think about the geographies of lithium in a new way. We aim to emphasize global interconnectedness rather than highlighting the continents as individual land masses, isolated within the global flow of lithium.
The Fuller Map Projection (or the Dymaxion map) was developed in 1943 by Buckminster Fuller. His purpose for this particular projection was to see “the whole Earth at once as one world island in one world ocean” (Estate of R. Buckminster Fuller n.d.). The Buckminster Fuller Institute describes the projection as “a tool for global responsibility in relation to the environment and understanding that actions on one side of the world have an impact on the other side of the world” (Dee 2020). Considering the original purpose of more conventional projections, like the Mercator projection which was intended for marine navigation, Fuller’s projection was well-suited for showing how lithium connects almost the entire globe (Dee 2020).
This map projection also provides a different way of seeing the network of relationships. The arc connectors showing power dynamics stretch across the north pole rather than following trade routes, implying that these relationships are about far more than just physical trade. It is not just lithium that flows across the planet from extraction through its subsequent processing and distribution phases; capital, too, circulates across the globe as stakeholder investments.
The future depends on understanding how lithium networks work, the flows of capital and power relationships between countries and across hemispheres. In this way, these maps offer a new way of seeing lithium flows while making room for potential alternative futures.
According to the USGS, a reserve is “that portion of an identified resource from which a usable mineral or energy commodity can be economically and legally extracted at the time of determination,” (Mines and Survey, (US 1980). Since 1996, the USGS has annually published the lithium Mineral Commodity Summaries wherein, in addition to describing import and export statistics, prices, and extraction information, it lists the countries with the largest lithium reserves.
The estimated countries reserves fluctuate from year to year as exploration continues. Additional sources of lithium have emerged over time and, despite the fluctuation, overall global lithium supplies have grown. The following map shows the nine countries with the largest lithium reserves in 2023. These countries have remained relatively constant over time, even as new deposits are discovered. Rather than being concentrated in a single geographic location, these reserves are distributed widely across the globe.
Additional l 3,300,000 0 tons from m other r countries s including g Austria Congo o (Kinshasa), , Czechia, , Finland, , Germany, , Ghana, , Mali, , Mexico, , Namibia, , Serbia, , and d Spain
Lithium reserves are distributed globally and primarily consist of three types of lithium ore resources: hard-rock lithium mines, salt lakes, and geothermal resources. Hard-rock lithium mines are found in countries such as Australia, China, Canada, and Zimbabwe, with Australia boasting the world’s largest hard-rock lithium reserves. These reserves are typically located underground and require traditional mining techniques like blasting and underground excavation to extract lithium ore. Salt lake resources are mainly distributed in countries like Chile, Bolivia, China, and the United States. Lithium-rich brine from salt lakes can be separated through evaporation and concentration methods, which require significant water resources. Geothermal resources are situated underground and include geothermal areas with lithium-containing hot water and steam, found in regions such as Nevada in the United States and Iceland.
With the rapid growth of electric vehicles and renewable energy, the demand for lithium continues to rise, making extraction a topic of importance, necessitating a comprehensive consideration multiple factors.
Salt flat (brine) lithium extraction is a process of obtaining lithium from underground saline reservoirs, primarily found in arid regions. It involves pumping lithium-rich brine (a mixture of water and dissolved lithium salts) to the surface. Solar evaporation in shallow ponds concentrates the brine, causing lithium salts to crystallize, which can then be harvested. This method is more cost-effective than traditional mining. Countries utilizing this technique include Chile, Argentina, and Bolivia, collectively known as the “Lithium Triangle.” These nations hold significant lithium reserves and have become major players in the global lithium market due to their abundant salt flats and efficient extraction methods.
Hard rock lithium extraction is a method for obtaining lithium from mineral deposits, primarily spodumene and pegmatite ores, found in solid rock formations. Miners extract ore, crush it, and then use energy-intensive processes like roasting and acid leaching to separate lithium from other minerals. This method requires significant energy and environmental impact but is valuable in regions lacking lithium-rich brine deposits. Major countries employing hard rock extraction include Australia, Canada, and China. Australia, in particular, boasts extensive lithium resources, with multiple mining projects contributing to its status as a leading global supplier of lithium minerals, essential for the rapidly growing electric vehicle and battery industries.
Reserve and Yield of Lithium Extraction
MiningMethod
MiningMethod
Production,800T
1st 5th
Reserve,3MT
3rd 5th
MiningMethod
Production,600T
Reserve,1.3MTReserve,3.2MT
MiningMethod
Production,61000T
Reserve,7.9MT
Production,19000T
Reserve,1MT
Reserve,6.8MT
MiningMethod
MiningMethod
Production,500T Production,39000T Production,6200T Production,1900T Production,500T Reserve,12MT Reserve,11MT Reserve,20MT Reserve,2.9MT Reserve,1.7MT Reserve,0.88MT Reserve,21MT
MiningMethod
MiningMethod
MiningMethod
Bikita Minerals Lithium mine in the Masvingo Province, Zimbabwe
Bikita Minerals has been running since 1950 one of the largest lithium mines in Zimbabwe, profiting local and international elites at the expanse of the local communities and the government through pollutions, women abuse and illicit financial flows.
Protests against mining of lithium by the Lichu River in Kangding, TAP Ganzi, Sichuan, China
Beginning from 2005, in Minyak Lhagang the lithium-mining operations by Ronda Lithium Co, have caused polluting and killing fish in the Lung River, affecting water and livelihood of Tibetans. Many local protests have led to halt the plant temporary.
Rio Tinto proposed lithium mine in Jadar Valley, Serbia
Local residents and allies defend the right to say NO, denounce the lack of participation and information, and resist the proposed lithium-borates mine by Rio Tinto, and backed by the Serbian government, in a farming villages and rich cultural area.
Savannah’s lithium extraction conflict in Covas do Barroso, Portugal
do Barroso, a small rural village in northern Portugal, is the site of a fierce resistance against the projected lithium exploration in the area. The conflict of do Barroso can be seen as a conflict related with “Green Transition” plans developed by the European Commission to face the climate crisis.
lithium mine,
threatens environment, values of local people Atsa are still occupying the both environment and
North American Lithium mining project, La Corne, Abitibi, Québec, Canada
The North American Lithium mine with heavy environmental liabilities could be reactivated since its acquisition by Sayona Mining Limited and Piedmont Lithium and be part of a lithium extraction pole in Témiscaming
Lithium in the Salinas Grandes Basin and Laguna de Guayatayoc, Argentina
Salinas Grandes Lithium mining project, Argentina
Thirty-three indigenous communities of Salinas Grandes and Laguna de Guayatayoc resisted the advance of lithium mining a decade ago.
Communities have increased their organization and delayed lithium projects. But the area continues to be of growing interest to lithium mining and technology companies.
Lithium mining in Tres Quebradas and defense of water, Argentina
The company Liex S.A Subsidiary of the Neo Lithium company of Canadian origin begins in 2016 perforations in the Three Quebrades Project (3Q). Autoconvocated neighbors are mobilized and opposed.
Comparisn according to cost/time/technology/pollution
Selecting the appropriate lithium mining method necessitates a comprehensive evaluation of factors such as resource availability, sustainability, environmental protection, and economic considerations.
In terms of technology, salt lake extraction involves relatively straightforward processes such as evaporation concentration and chemical treatment, making it less technically demanding. Mining, on the other hand, relies on specialized techniques like blasting, excavation, ore crushing, and intricate processes. Geothermal energy extraction presents the most intricate technology requirements, necessitating precise geothermal resource exploration and hot water extraction.
Considering costs, salt lake extraction usually incurs lower expenses as it doesn’t require extensive mining equipment and ore processing. Mining, in contrast, involves higher costs due to equipment, labor, and energy consumption. Geothermal energy extraction demands substantial initial investments but offers lower operational costs, creating economic complexities.
Regarding extraction time, salt lake extraction is relatively swift, often achieving commercial production within a few years. In contrast, mining progresses more slowly due to its complexity, potentially leading to longer production timelines. Geothermal energy development also takes time, contingent upon resource exploration and stability.
In terms of environmental impact, salt lake extraction typically has minimal consequences, although it may affect local water resources and ecosystems to some extent. Mining often results in substantial waste generation, leading to land and water pollution and environmental damage. Geothermal energy extraction is relatively eco-friendly but requires careful monitoring and management.
Lithium is one of the primary materials used in batteries, which is pivotal in transitioning towards greener technologies. Countries having a steady stream of Lithium is considered a matter of national security, as lithium is an analytical material, and that is a goal as many of the many opportunities lay around its resources. The maps on the following sheets focuses on the trade flows of lithium internationally. Highlighting the countries where lithium is currently extracted from and where they are sent for processing and manufacturing. Highlighting the flow routes growing through time as many countries are investing in the field.
From the origin of the lithium sources to the chemicals all the way to the manufacturing of lithium products, this map highlights the spaces on land, air, water, or trail consumed by lithium to produce items serving human consumption. The diagram represent domestic trading, waste, and recycling of Lithium currently.
Flow of Lithium from stages across the World and through the
Countries with lithium processing factories
Countries with EV assembly factories
Movement
Movement of Lithium from
Stage 1:
Flow of Lithium across the world and through the Supply Chain
Stage 2: Mining Processing
13.0%
6.0%
1.5%
1.0%
1.0%
0.5%
Lithium Extraction-
The majority of the world’s lithium is mined in Australia, followed by Chile and China.
Most of the lithium mined in South America is processed in China
The lithium mined in the US stays within the US for further processing AUS- 52.0%
Lithium Trade Flow Diagram
Lithium Processing-
China processes 85% of the world’s lithium supply. This creates a bottleneck in the total global supply chain of Lithium. Despite western attempts to counter this, China remains a global leader in global Lithium production
Chile processes a lot of its own lithium, but also ships its lithium to China and Australia.
Source: World Bank’s Climate Mineral Explorer (2021)
Stage 3: Stage 4: Battery Manufacturing EV Assembly CHN- 86.0%
50.0% USA- 21.0% GER- 18.0%
8.0% KOR- 3.0% JAP- 33.0% KOR- 17.0%
5.0%
5.0%
4.0%
Li-ion Battery Manufacturing-
Manufacturing is heavily focused in Asia, where China, Japan, and Korea manufacture the majority of the world’s EV li-ion batteries
The USA and Europe also manufacture a smaller percentage of li-ion batteries, that typically stay within their borders for domestic EV Assembly
EV AssemblyChina produces most of the world’s EVs, followed by the US and Germany
Japan and Korea also produce a sizeable portion of EVs. These vehicles are then shipped globally.
PyroProcess Recycling
HydroProcess Recycling
Lithium Flow-
This demonstrates the various phases that raw lithium needs to go through in order to get from extraction point to a finish lithium ion battery inserted into a product.
Lithium can also be given a second life following its initial use through a rigorous process of repairing, refurbishing or full on
remanufacturing.
Lithium Flow Life Cycle
Source: Argonne National Laboratory
Recycling Flow-
Each internal loop represent’s lithium’s ability to be recycled and reused. Throughout the manufacturing process, lithium can be recycled and remanufactured.
Following lithium’s first successful use, products utilising the element can be refurbished and used a second Lithium products can also go through a process of thus elongating lithium’s ability to be used and diverted away from a landfill.
USA relies on coal and natural gas, but also uses various clean energy
Chile relies primarily on coal and natural gas, but also uses hydro.
Following a popular supply chain of Chile- China- Japan- and finally the US, the process of extracting, refining, and transporting lithium from start to finish emits a considerable amount of Carbon Dioxide.
If this supply chain were to theoretically supply every EV according to current demand in the US, the carbon emissions would equal over 2 million tons of CO2, or the equivalent of driving 16 billion kilometers using a gas-powered car.
Currently, China processes 85% This creates a fundamental bottleneck in
As of 2023, China has been labeled as a “high geo-political ramifications. However, despite China remains a global leader
Source: World Bank’s Climate Mineral Explorer (2021)
2:
85% of the world’s lithium supply. the total global supply chain of Lithium.
“high risk” country. This entails its own set of despite western efforts to counter this, leader in global lithium production
A case study of TESLA’s Lithium use, suppy and predictions
LITHIUM content versus other metals in Tesla batteries
TESLA: Lithium Trade Flow
Source: Where Does Tesla Get Its Lithium? (2023), The Secret Tesla Motors Master Plan. (2023),
existing business model and tweak it to directly send battery parts in the US supply chain.
Climate change is creating a global imperative to electrify and accelerate the reduction of fossil fuels.
Batteries are the solution, yet critical metals move 50,000+ miles before they reach a cell factory – a costly and unsustainable process.
Redwood is transforming the battery supply chain by offering large-scale sources of domestic anode and cathode materials produced from an increasing number of recycled batteries that directly go back to U.S. cell manufacturers.
The global network of actors involved in lithium manufacturing includes key players from different industries and sectors. Countries such as China, the United States, Hungary, and Poland are among the more extensive Lithium manufacturers. Companies such as Albemarle, SQM, and Ganfeng Lithium dominate the market. Among them, Chinese manufacturers, as the largest market shareholders, have favorable conditions such as cheap labor, policy support, and convenient transportation close to the origin.
The research maps the changes in the manufacturing capacity of China and the United States in the past five years and projections for the next five years. Although the United States currently relies on imports of lithium battery materials, it is expected to reduce manufacturing costs through stimulus policies to promote the development of lithium manufacturing. So, the geopolitical landscape of lithium manufacturing may change in the future.
[What] is Manufacture of Lithium batteries/ Process of Manufacture
https://www.iea.org/data-and-statistics/charts/lithium-ion-battery-manufacturing-capacity-2022-2030
https://www.iea.org/data-and-statistics/charts/lithium-ion-battery-manufacturing-capacity-2022-2030
https://www.iea.org/data-and-statistics/charts/lithium-ion-battery-manufacturing-capacity-2022-2030
https://www.iea.org/data-and-statistics/charts/lithium-ion-battery-manufacturing-capacity-2022-2030
https://www.iea.org/data-and-statistics/charts/lithium-ion-battery-manufacturing-capacity-2022-2030
https://www.iea.org/data-and-statistics/charts/lithium-ion-battery-manufacturing-capacity-2022-2030
https://www.iea.org/data-and-statistics/charts/lithium-ion-battery-manufacturing-capacity-2022-2030
https://www.iea.org/data-and-statistics/charts/lithium-ion-battery-manufacturing-capacity-2022-2030
https://www.iea.org/data-and-statistics/charts/lithium-ion-battery-manufacturing-capacity-2022-2030
https://www.iea.org/data-and-statistics/charts/lithium-ion-battery-manufacturing-capacity-2022-2030
https://www.iea.org/data-and-statistics/charts/lithium-ion-battery-manufacturing-capacity-2022-2030
https://www.iea.org/data-and-statistics/charts/lithium-ion-battery-manufacturing-capacity-2022-2030
https://www.iea.org/data-and-statistics/charts/lithium-ion-battery-manufacturing-capacity-2022-2030
In order to increase the battery capacity, lithium metal oxides, conductive additives, binders and organic solvents are mixed under vacuum to make a slurry for positive and negative electrodes.
In order to produce laminated electrode, a material is coated onto a base material. The coating material has a function of separate positive electrode and negative electrode.
https://www.iea.org/data-and-statistics/charts/lithium-ion-battery-manufacturing-capacity-2022-2030
https://www.iea.org/data-and-statistics/charts/lithium-ion-battery-manufacturing-capacity-2022-2030
https://www.iea.org/data-and-statistics/charts/lithium-ion-battery-manufacturing-capacity-2022-2030
https://www.iea.org/data-and-statistics/charts/lithium-ion-battery-manufacturing-capacity-2022-2030
https://www.iea.org/data-and-statistics/charts/lithium-ion-battery-manufacturing-capacity-2022-2030
After coating, the lithium battery electrode is in roll, we must slit them as big pieces for rolling press, and slitting them in small pieces for welding.
Both electrodes are placed in a drying oven using a vacuum to remove water and solvents. Vacuum drying can be done in batches. Multichamber system typically have seven to nine chambers.
In order to remove, recover and purify solvents from coating high-efficiency in the battery electrode manufacturing process, this system is applied for sustainability.
In order to increase the lithium batteries' volumetric energy density and mechanical properties, the calendering process need to compact the electrodes.
An electrode material is made from active material that is agitated, coated with aluminium foil, pressed into a roll, then cut according to its dimensions.
The finished electrode materials are wound up or laminated with an insulation separator. Place this in the case and assemble the battery.
Analysis from GANFENG’s global layout, GLOBALIZATION
Mali - Goulamina (spodumene mining)
Ireland
- Avalonia (spodumene mining)
China
- Mangya, Qinghai (lithium extraction from salt lake)
- Yiliping Lake, Qinghai (lithium extraction from salt lake)
- Balunmahai Lake, Qinghai (lithium extraction from salt lake)
Source: “Distribution
- Ningdu, Jiangxi (spodumene mining)
- Shangrao, Jiangxi (spodumene mining)
- Jiabusi, Inner Mongolia (spodumene mining)
Australia
- Mount Marion (spoudumene mining)
- Pilbara Pilgangoora (spoudumene mining)
- Finniss (spoudumene mining)
Argentina
- Mariana (lithium extraction from salt lake)
- Cauchari-Olaroz (lithium extraction from salt lake)
- Incahuasi (lithium extraction from salt lake)
- SDLP (lithium extraction from salt lake)
Mexico
- Sonora (lithium extraction from salt lake)
JIANGXI
GUANGDONG
×7 ×2
1. LABOR
Analysising the Factors of Manufacture
2. BUSSINESS FUND
3. BUSv`INESS FUND
Number of Rivers: 923
Including: Watershed Area 1000 m^2
32 Watershed Area 100~1000 m^2
4. ENERGY
GDP: $428 Billion (2022)
Population: 15.31 Million (2019)
GDP: $501 Billian (2022)
Population: 12.59 Million (2019)
GDP: $508 Billian (2022)
Population: 7.41 Million (2019)
9GHW
U.K.
11GHW
4GHW Germany Sweden U.S.
44GHW
Geographical distribution of manufacturers in China mainland
Source: “Distribution of 3249 Lithium Battery Enterprises in China,” International Energy Network, March 2023, https://www.in-en.com/.
Location of Manufacturer (size shows manufacturing capacities)
Number of Lithium-batteries Manufacturers in the state (More than 100)
Location of Manufacturer (size shows manufacturing capacities) Companies,” Thomas-
Number of Lithium-batteries Manufacturers in the state (More than 10)
With the increasing demand for lithium batteries, the lithium battery manufacturing market has grown rapidly from 2013 to 2023. In addition to government policy support, changes in the price of lithium battery raw materials have also played a certain role in promoting growth. However, from the comparison of Chinese and American data, Chinese manufacturing has occupied a large share of the market and has grown rapidly in the past three years.
Before 2019, the U.S. relied heavily on China for the supply and manufacture of lithium batteries. This led to a chip shortage crisis experienced by U.S. automakers during the pandemic due to a break in the transportation chain.
Therefore, from 2021, the U.S. set off a wave of reform for the localization of battery factories. President Joe Biden signed Inflation Reduction Act into law August 16, 2022, which is one of the reasons to accelerate localized lithium battery production.
The IRA also includes advanced manufacturing credits. The IRA mentioned that the production of battery cells is eligible for a credit of $35 per kilowatt-hour. Reducing costs can increase the competitiveness of domestic battery manufacturing in the United States.
Due to the rapid increase in the size of electric vehicle battery factories in the past two years, some new employees cannot join the union. This has led to low wages, lack of safety and other issues that have led to worker discontent.
$83,604 / yr
In Lordstown, Ohio, for example, workers voted in 2022 to unionize, hoping that the union would set a set of standards to regulate the company’s benefits.(Anna Katharine Ping, Joe LoCascio, and Ivan Pereir)
In addition, workers face safety concerns. Workers are currently negotiating with the United Auto Workers union and plant management over regulation of chemicals in battery production.
Lithium is a limited natural resource. Although not exceedingly rare, it is in extremely high demand due to its critical role in industry. Currently, lithium-ion batteries are the most common type of rechargeable battery and, aside from small consumer electronics, are being manufactured en masse for both transportation and grid-scale storage applications.
Recycling, particularly of these batteries, is a crucial step in the attempt to ‘close the loop’ and create a cyclical lithium economy. The process is not perfect or without waste, and perhaps more critically, is not yet industrially profitable, but companies are recognizing the future necessity and value of recycling lithium and are rapidly increasing their recycling capacities.
There are a few regions and countries dominating the lithium-ion battery recycling space. These are China, South Korea, the USA, and Europe. However, these countries do not each manufacture or consume a proportionate amount of batteries relative to their ability to recycle them.
China’s manufacturing and recycling abilities make up by far the greatest percent of world capacity, but their cell consumption is relatively low.
Europe on the other hand has very low manufacturing and recycling capacity but their consumption of batteries is incredibly high.
The Xinyu Development Zone in Jiangxi, China is heavily weighted toward production of metals like steel, copper, and zinc, and the production of electronic components. In 2019 the government announced plans to turn the zone further toward “hi-tech industrial development.” Part of a broader initiative to develop the “Yangtze River Economic Belt.”
Ganfeng’s recycling plant is strategically placed to take advantage of a number of proximities. Sandwiched between two main highways, the plant is also within one or two kilometers of both rail and a river.
EV recycling process
Mechanical treatment
CrushingSieving EV battery
Waste Lithium batteries
Pre- treatment
Solvent treatment
Dismantling
elimination
Active material
Li- extraction
Pyrometallurgy Hydrometallurgy Electrochemical
Precipitational
Solvent Extraction
Selective Adsorption
Recycled Lithium
Toxic gas
Organic solvent pollution
Brust Dust
Noise pollution
Acid- base regulation chemical reagent
Plastic separation
Al, Cu... separation
Manual disassembly
High water consumption
high Temperature
US lithium recycle case study
The End of Life (EOL) for EV lithium batteries is meticulously documented in our database, encompassing various types and processes. Our analysis is centered on the 4R’s: Repair, Remanufacture, Refurbish, and Repurpose.
In the Reno region, we observed a notable concentration of 4R activities. We’ve selected Battery MD Inc. as a representative example to analyze factors influencing its location.
Interestingly, this recycling facility is situated adjacent to an airfield, underscoring the industry’s heavy reliance on transportation. Additionally, it’s well-connected to major highways. The proximity to automotive-related industries is also evident. By identifying nearby car dealerships and repair centers, we discern an implicit battery circulation pattern in this vicinity, complemented by vehicle storage areas.
It’s plausible that a significant proportion of the local residents are employed in the automotive sector. Nearby educational institutions might offer EV-centric courses. Collectively, these factors contribute to Reno’s burgeoning EV industry hub.
The global actors’ network involved in lithium production, use, and recycling includes key players from various industries and sectors, with complex relationships between these across countries, as shown in the diagram on the next spread. For example, lithium mining countries such as Chile, Argentina, and Australia are among the top producers, with companies such as Albemarle, SQM, and Ganfeng Lithium dominating the market. At the same time, lithium users include manufacturers of electric vehicles, energy storage systems, and consumer electronics.
On the other hand, recycling lithium-ion batteries is also becoming increasingly important, with companies such as Umicore and Tesla working to develop recycling technologies. As the demand for lithium continues to grow, the relationships between these global actors will be vital in shaping the future of the lithium industry.
EXTRACTION, PROCESSING, CATHODE
MANUFACTURE, (NON-BATTERY) MANUFACTURE, LITHIUM-ION BATTERY (LIB)
EXTRACTION, PROCESSING, CATHODE MANUFACTURE, (NON-BATTERY) MANUFACTURE, LITHIUM-ION BATTERY (LIB)
MANUFACTURE, LITHIUM IRON PHOS -
PHATE BATTERY,MANUFACTURE (LFP) AND THE END-USE SECTORS OFAU-
MANUFACTURE, LITHIUM IRON PHOSPHATE BATTERY,MANUFACTURE (LFP) AND THE END-USE SECTORS OFAU-
TOMOTIVE, ENERGY AND INDUSTRIAL USE, ELECTRONICS AND OTHER.
TOMOTIVE, ENERGY AND INDUSTRIAL USE, ELECTRONICS AND OTHER.
EXTRACTION, PROCESSING, CATHODE MANUFACTURE, (NON-BATTERY) MANUFACTURE, LITHIUM-ION BATTERY (LIB)
EXTRACTION, PROCESSING, CATHODE MANUFACTURE, (NON-BATTERY) MANUFACTURE, LITHIUM-ION BATTERY (LIB)
MANUFACTURE, LITHIUM IRON PHOSPHATE BATTERY,MANUFACTURE (LFP) AND THE END-USE SECTORS OFAU-
MANUFACTURE, LITHIUM IRON PHOSPHATE BATTERY,MANUFACTURE (LFP) AND THE END-USE SECTORS OFAU-
TOMOTIVE, ENERGY AND INDUSTRIAL USE, ELECTRONICS AND OTHER.
TOMOTIVE, ENERGY AND INDUSTRIAL USE, ELECTRONICS AND OTHER.
EXTRACTION, PROCESSING, CATHODE MANUFACTURE, (NON-BATTERY) MANUFACTURE, LITHIUM-ION BATTERY (LIB)
EXTRACTION, PROCESSING, CATHODE MANUFACTURE, (NON-BATTERY) MANUFACTURE, LITHIUM-ION BATTERY (LIB)
MANUFACTURE, LITHIUM IRON PHOSPHATE BATTERY,MANUFACTURE (LFP) AND THE END-USE SECTORS OFAU-
MANUFACTURE, LITHIUM IRON PHOSPHATE BATTERY,MANUFACTURE (LFP) AND THE END-USE SECTORS OFAU-
TOMOTIVE, ENERGY AND INDUSTRIAL USE, ELECTRONICS AND OTHER.
TOMOTIVE, ENERGY AND INDUSTRIAL USE, ELECTRONICS AND OTHER.
EXTRACTION,
PROCESSING, CATHODE MANUFACTURE, (NON-BATTERY) MANUFACTURE, LITHIUM-ION BATTERY (LIB
EXTRACTION, PROCESSING, CATHODE MANUFACTURE, (NON-BATTERY) MANUFACTURE, LITHIUM-ION BATTERY (LIB