Globally, lithium resources are mainly distributed in South America, North America, Asia, Oceania, and Africa. The top six ranked countries in terms of explored reserves are as follows:
- Bolivia, reserve: 21 million tons.
- Argentina, reserve: 17 million tons.
- Chile, reserve: 9 million tons.
- United States, reserve: 6.8 million tons.
- Australia, reserve: 6.3 million tons.
- China, reserve: 4.5 million tons.
Lithium mineral processing methods
- Open-pit mining: For the mining of shallow-layer lithium ores on the ground surface. Mechanical equipment is usually used for mining, and the ore is then transported to the concentrator for further processing.
- Underground mining: For the mining of deep-layer lithium ores. Tunnel excavation and underground blasting are commonly used methods for mining, and the ore is then transported to the concentrator for further processing.
- Brine lithium extraction: Brine lithium accounts for 70% of the total. The lithium resources in the salt lakes mainly distributed in Qinghai and Tibet regions, accounting for 75% of the national lithium resources. Brine lithium extraction refers to the extraction of lithium elements from salt lake water through evaporation, sedimentation, and chemical precipitation. At present, China’s brine lithium extraction technology has made significant progress, but there is still a gap compared to foreign countries.
- Ore lithium extraction: Ore lithium extraction refers to the extraction of lithium elements from ores through beneficiation, crushing, grinding, etc. Ore lithium extraction is currently the mainstream method of lithium extraction, with mature technology and stable output.
- Lithium clay lithium extraction: Lithium clay lithium extraction refers to the extraction of lithium elements from lithium clay ores through beneficiation, crushing, grinding, etc. Lithium clay lithium extraction is a relatively new method of lithium extraction, and the technology is still developing and improving.
- Lithium pyroxene lithium extraction: Lithium pyroxene lithium extraction refers to the extraction of lithium elements from lithium pyroxene ores through beneficiation, crushing, grinding, etc. Lithium pyroxene lithium extraction is also a relatively new method of lithium extraction, and the technology is still developing and improving.