Demand for lithium
As the world shifts towards cleaner energy sources, the demand for critical minerals, including lithium, has been on the rise. Lithium-ion batteries are favored in consumer electronics, electric vehicles, and energy storage due to their high energy-to-mass ratio, efficiency, performance in high temperatures, and long-term energy retention.

Current supplies
Commercial lithium production primarily relies on two sources: hard rock ore and brine deposits, with hard rock mining constituting about 60% and brine extraction about 40%. Both methods pose environmental concerns: hard rock mining due to its energy-intensive and damaging processes, and brine extraction due to its slow evaporation process, extensive land use, water consumption, and solid waste generation.