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Lithium Mining: Global Markets to 2026

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    Report

  • 122 Pages
  • January 2022
  • Region: Global
  • BCC Research
  • ID: 5530906

The report includes details about different source types of lithium mining like brine and hard rock. It has detailed analyses of lithium mining market players, this market’s prominent trends and the opportunities prevailing in the market that can result in the growth of the market in the future. The market values are based on multiple factors and an analysis of manufacturers’ revenue. Market dynamics within each industry are identified. Technological advancements and trends are reviewed, and other influential factors such as economic conditions and standards are discussed. Because this is a global study, the publisher analyzes domestic and international technological issues and includes economic considerations.




The market segments of the report are focused on the technical and commercial aspects of lithium mining activities with respect to different types of lithium, such as lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide. The report also covers the policy and regulatory framework for lithium mining that mining companies adhere to in order to maintain environmental sustainability and to comply with government regulations.

In addition, the report analyzes the global lithium mining market by region as well as country. The forecast period for all regional segments is 2021 to 2026. Furthermore, the report includes a comprehensive survey of the competitive landscape of the market, and it provides a detailed analysis of key market players.

The currency used in this report is U.S. dollars, with market size indicated only in millions of U.S. dollars. The revenues of the companies are derived from their annual reports. For all the companies, the revenues are given in the U.S. dollars; and for companies that report their revenue in other currencies (i.e., Euros and Pounds), the average annual currency conversion rate has been used for the particular year to convert these values into U.S. dollars. The conversion rate for each currency conversion is provided in the report.


Report Includes


  • 44 data tables and 44 additional tables
  • An up-to-date overview of the global lithium mining market
  • Analyses of global market trends, with data from 2020, estimates for 2021 and 2022, and projections of compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) through 2026
  • Highlights of the current and future market potential and quantification of lithium mining market size and forecast by source type, mining (resource) type, end-use segment, and region
  • In-depth information (facts and figures) concerning the major factors influencing the progress of the market (drivers and industry-specific challenges) with respect to specific growth trends, upcoming prospects and contributions to the overall market
  • Impact of COVID-19 on the global market for lithium mining
  • Market share analysis of the key companies of the industry and coverage of their proprietary technologies, strategic alliances, and other key market strategies
  • Descriptive company profiles of the leading global players, including Albemarle Corp., Allkem Ltd., Livent Corp., Sociedad Quimica (SQM), Tianqi Lithium, and Orocobre Ltd.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Global Lithium Mining Market

What is the estimated value of the Global Lithium Mining Market?

The Global Lithium Mining Market was estimated to be valued at $525.8 Million in 2021.

What is the growth rate of the Global Lithium Mining Market?

The growth rate of the Global Lithium Mining Market is 20.8%, with an estimated value of $1350.4 Million by 2026.

What is the forecasted size of the Global Lithium Mining Market?

The Global Lithium Mining Market is estimated to be worth $1350.4 Million by 2026.

Who are the key companies in the Global Lithium Mining Market?

Key companies in the Global Lithium Mining Market include Albemarle Corp., Allkem Ltd., Ganfeng Lithium Co. Ltd., Lithium Americas Corp., Livent Corp., Nemaska Lithium Inc., Pilbara Minerals Ltd., Sichuan Yahua Industrial Group Co. Ltd. (Yahua Group) and Tianqi Lithium Industry Co. Ltd..

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Introduction
  • Study Goals and Objectives
  • Reasons for Doing This Study
  • Scope of Report
  • Intended Audience
  • Research Methodology
  • Geographic Breakdown
  • Analyst's Credentials
Chapter 2 Summary and Highlights
Chapter 3 Market Overview
  • Introduction
  • Pricing Analysis
  • Market Potential
  • Market Dynamics
  • Drivers
  • Challenges
  • Trends
  • Lithium Mining Supply Chain
  • Impact of COVID-19 on the Global Market for Lithium Mining
Chapter 4 Global Market for Lithium Mining by Source Type
  • Overview
  • Brine Lithium Mining
  • Hard Rock Lithium Mining
Chapter 5 Global Market for Lithium Mining by Type
  • Overview
  • Lithium Carbonate
  • Lithium Hydroxide
Chapter 6 Global Market for Lithium Mining by End Use
  • Overview
  • Batteries
  • Lithium-Manganese Oxide (LMO)
  • Lithium-Cobalt Oxide (LCO)
  • Lithium-Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (Li-NMC)
  • Lithium-Nickel Cobalt Aluminum Oxide (NCA)
  • Lithium-Titanate Oxide (LTO)
  • Developments in Lithium-ion Batteries (LIBs)
  • Lithium-Ion Battery Manufacturers
  • Glass and Ceramics
  • Lubricants and Grease
  • Polymers
  • Flux Powder
  • Other End Uses
Chapter 7 Global Market for Lithium Mining by Region
  • Overview
  • APAC Market for Lithium Mining
  • South American Market for Lithium Mining
  • EMEA Market for Lithium Mining
  • North American Market for Lithium Mining
Chapter 8 Competitive Landscape
  • Global Competitive Landscape
  • List of Players in the Market for Lithium Mining
  • List of Players in the Lithium Battery Market
Chapter 9 Company Profiles
  • ALBEMARLE CORP.
  • ALLKEM LTD.
  • GANFENG LITHIUM CO., LTD.
  • LITHIUM AMERICAS CORP.
  • LIVENT CORP.
  • NEMASKA LITHIUM INC.
  • PILBARA MINERALS LTD.
  • SICHUAN YAHUA INDUSTRIAL GROUP CO., LTD. (YAHUA GROUP)
  • SQM S.A. (SOCIEDAD QUÍMICA Y MINERA DE CHILE S.A.)
  • TIANQI LITHIUM INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
Chapter 10 Appendix: Acronyms
List of Tables
Table A : Lithium Element Properties
Summary Table : Global Market for Lithium Mining, by Region, Through 2026

Table 1 : Global Lithium Reserves, by Select Countries, 2019 and 2020
Table 2 : Impact of Market Dynamics
Table 3 : Global Market for Lithium Mining, by Source Type, Through 2026
Table 4 : Average Lithium Content in Processed Brine
Table 5 : Global Market for Brine Lithium Mining, by Region, Through 2026
Table 6 : Major Lithium Minerals
Table 7 : Global Market for Hard Rock Lithium Mining, by Region, Through 2026
Table 8 : Global Market for Lithium Mining, by Type, Through 2026
Table 9 : Global Market for Lithium Carbonate Mining, by Region, Through 2026
Table 10 : Global Market for Lithium Hydroxide Mining, by Region, Through 2026
Table 11 : Global Market for Lithium Mining, by End Use, Through 2026
Table 12 : Lithium-Ion Battery Manufacturers
Table 13 : Lithium-Ion Batteries Used in Different Consumer Electronics Devices
Table 14 : Global Market for Lithium Mining for Batteries, by Region, Through 2026
Table 15 : Global Market for Lithium Mining for Glass and Ceramics, by Region, Through 2026
Table 16 : Global Market for Lithium Mining for Lubricants and Grease, by Region, Through 2026
Table 17 : Global Market for Lithium Mining for Polymers, by Region, Through 2026
Table 18 : Global Market for Lithium Mining for Flux Powder, by Region, Through 2026
Table 19 : Global Market for Lithium Mining for Other End Uses, by Region, Through 2026
Table 20 : Global Market for Lithium Mining, by Region, Through 2026
Table 21 : Global Market Volumes of Lithium Mining, by Region, Through 2026
Table 22 : APAC Market for Lithium Mining, by Country, Through 2026
Table 23 : APAC Market Volumes of Lithium Mining, by Country, Through 2026
Table 24 : APAC Market for Lithium Mining, by Source Type, Through 2026
Table 25 : APAC Market for Lithium Mining, by Type, Through 2026
Table 26 : APAC Market for Lithium Mining, by End Use, Through 2026
Table 27 : South American Market for Lithium Mining, by Country, Through 2026
Table 28 : South American Market Volumes of Lithium Mining, by Country, Through 2026
Table 29 : South American Market for Lithium Mining, by Source Type, Through 2026
Table 30 : South American Market for Lithium Mining, by Type, Through 2026
Table 31 : South American Market for Lithium Mining, by End Use, Through 2026
Table 32 : EMEA Market for Lithium Mining, by Country, Through 2026
Table 33 : EMEA Market Volumes of Lithium Mining, by Country, Through 2026
Table 34 : EMEA Market for Lithium Mining, by Source Type, Through 2026
Table 35 : EMEA Market for Lithium Mining, by Type, Through 2026
Table 36 : EMEA Market for Lithium Mining, by End Use, Through 2026
Table 37 : Comparison of Mineral Reserves and Manufacturing Capacities: U.S. vs. the World, 2020
Table 38 : North American Market for Lithium Mining, by Country, Through 2026
Table 39 : North American Market Volumes of Lithium Mining, by Country, Through 2026
Table 40 : North American Market for Lithium Mining, by Source Type, Through 2026
Table 41 : North American Market for Lithium Mining, by Type, Through 2026
Table 42 : North American Market for Lithium Mining, by End Use, Through 2026
Table 43 : List of Players in the Market for Lithium Mining
Table 44 : List of Market Players in the Global Lithium Battery Market
Table 45 : Albemarle Corp.: Company Snapshot
Table 46 : Albemarle Corp.: Key Financial Metrics, 2018-2020
Table 47 : Albemarle Corp.: Business Segment Overview
Table 48 : Albemarle Corp.: Key Product Offering
Table 49 : Albemarle Corp.: Recent Developments, 2021
Table 50 : Allkem Ltd.: Company Snapshot
Table 51 : Allkem Ltd.: Key Financial Metrics, 2019-2021
Table 52 : Allkem Ltd.: Key Product Offering
Table 53 : Allkem Ltd.: Recent Developments, 2021
Table 54 : Ganfeng Lithium Co., Ltd.: Company Snapshot
Table 55 : Ganfeng Lithium Co., Ltd.: Key Financial Metrics, 2018-2020
Table 56 : Ganfeng Lithium Co., Ltd.: Business Segment Overview
Table 57 : Ganfeng Lithium Co., Ltd.: Key Product Offering
Table 58 : Ganfeng Lithium Co., Ltd.: Recent Developments, 2021
Table 59 : Lithium Americas Corp.: Company Snapshot
Table 60 : Lithium Americas Corp.: Recent Developments, 2021
Table 61 : Livent Corp.: Company Snapshot
Table 62 : Livent Corp.: Key Financial Metrics, 2018-2020
Table 63 : Livent Corp.: Product Segment Overview
Table 64 : Livent Corp.: Key Product Offering
Table 65 : Livent Corp.: Recent Developments, 2021
Table 66 : Nemaska Lithium Inc.: Company Snapshot
Table 67 : Nemaska Lithium Inc.: Key Product Offering
Table 68 : Nemaska Lithium Inc.: Recent Developments, 2021
Table 69 : Pilbara Minerals Ltd.: Company Snapshot
Table 70 : Pilbara Minerals Ltd.: Key Financial Metrics, 2018-2020
Table 71 : Pilbara Minerals Ltd.: Key Product Offering
Table 72 : Pilbara Minerals Ltd.: Recent Developments, 2021
Table 73 : Yahua Group: Company Snapshot
Table 74 : Yahua Group: Key Product Offering
Table 75 : Yahua Group: Recent Developments, 2021
Table 76 : SQM S.A.: Company Snapshot
Table 77 : SQM S.A.: Key Financial Metrics, 2018-2020
Table 78 : SQM S.A.: Business Segment Overview
Table 79 : SQM S.A.: Key Product Offering
Table 80 : SQM S.A.: Recent Developments, 2021
Table 81 : Tianqi Lithium Industry Co., Ltd.: Company Snapshot
Table 82 : Tianqi Lithium Industry Co., Ltd.: Key Financial Metrics, 2018-2020
Table 83 : Tianqi Lithium Industry Co., Ltd.: Business Segment Overview
Table 84 : Tianqi Lithium Industry Co., Ltd.: Key Product Offering
Table 85 : Tianqi Lithium Industry Co., Ltd.: Recent Developments, 2021
Table 86 : Acronyms Used in This Report

List of Figures
Summary Figure : Global Market for Lithium Mining, by Region, 2020-2026
Figure 1 : Global Lithium Reserves, by Select Countries, 2019 and 2020
Figure 2 : Global Lithium Deposits
Figure 3 : Global Market for Lithium Mining, 2020-2026
Figure 4 : Global Market Volumes of Lithium Mining, 2020-2026
Figure 5 : Global Consumption Shares of Lithium, by Country/Region, 2020
Figure 6 : Lithium Mining Supply Chain
Figure 7 : Lithium-Based Battery Supply Chain
Figure 8 : Global Market Shares of Lithium Mining, by Source Type, 2020
Figure 9 : Lithium Production Technology from Brine
Figure 10 : Global Market Shares of Brine Lithium Mining, by Region, 2020
Figure 11 : Global Market Shares of Hard Rock Lithium Mining, by Region, 2020
Figure 12 : Global Market Shares of Lithium Mining, by Type, 2020
Figure 13 : Global Market Shares of Lithium Carbonate Mining, by Region, 2020
Figure 14 : Global Market Shares of Lithium Hydroxide Mining, by Region, 2020
Figure 15 : Global Market Shares of Lithium Mining, by End Use, 2020
Figure 16 : Battery Cathode Material, by Source
Figure 17 : Global Electric Vehicle Sales, by Country, 2014-2019
Figure 18 : Global Electric Vehicle Sales, by Country, 2020
Figure 19 : Global Electric Vehicle Sales, by Country, 2021 (H1)
Figure 20 : Global Market Shares of Lithium Mining for Batteries, by Region, 2020
Figure 21 : Global Market Shares of Lithium Mining for Glass and Ceramics, by Region, 2020
Figure 22 : Global Market Shares of Lithium Mining for Lubricants and Grease, by Region, 2020
Figure 23 : Global Market Shares of Lithium Mining for Polymers, by Region, 2020
Figure 24 : Global Market Shares of Lithium Mining for Flux Powder, by Region, 2020
Figure 25 : Global Market Shares of Lithium Mining for Other End Uses, by Region, 2020
Figure 26 : Global Market Shares of Lithium Mining, by Region, 2020
Figure 27 : Global Market Volume Shares of Lithium Mining, by Region, 2020
Figure 28 : APAC Market for Lithium Mining, 2020-2026
Figure 29 : APAC Market Volumes of Lithium Mining, 2020-2026
Figure 30 : APAC Market Shares of Lithium Mining, by Country, 2020
Figure 31 : APAC Market Volume Shares of Lithium Mining, by Country, 2020
Figure 32 : APAC Market Shares of Lithium Mining, by Source Type, 2020
Figure 33 : APAC Market Shares of Lithium Mining, by Type, 2020
Figure 34 : APAC Market Shares of Lithium Mining, by End Use, 2020
Figure 35 : South American Market for Lithium Mining, 2020-2026
Figure 36 : South American Market Volumes of Lithium Mining, 2020-2026
Figure 37 : South American Market Shares of Lithium Mining, by Country, 2020
Figure 38 : South American Market Volume Shares of Lithium Mining, by Country, 2020
Figure 39 : South American Market Shares of Lithium Mining, by Source Type, 2020
Figure 40 : South American Market for Lithium Mining, by Type, 2020
Figure 41 : South American Market Shares of Lithium Mining, by End Use, 2020
Figure 42 : EMEA Market for Lithium Mining, 2020-2026
Figure 43 : EMEA Market Volumes of Lithium Mining, 2020-2026
Figure 44 : EMEA Market Shares of Lithium Mining, by Country, 2020
Figure 45 : EMEA Market Volume Shares of Lithium Mining, by Country, 2020
Figure 46 : EMEA Market Shares of Lithium Mining, by Source Type, 2020
Figure 47 : EMEA Market Shares of Lithium Mining, by Type, 2020
Figure 48 : EMEA Market Shares of Lithium Mining, by End Use, 2020
Figure 49 : North American Market for Lithium Mining, 2020-2026
Figure 50 : North American Market Volumes of Lithium Mining, 2020-2026
Figure 51 : North American Market Shares of Lithium Mining, by Country, 2020
Figure 52 : North American Market Volume Shares of Lithium Mining, by Country, 2020
Figure 53 : North American Market Shares of Lithium Mining, by Source Type, 2020
Figure 54 : North American Market Shares of Lithium Mining, by Type, 2020
Figure 55 : North American Market Shares of Lithium Mining, by End Use, 2020
Figure 56 : Global Market Shares of Lithium Mining, by Company, 2020
Figure 57 : Albemarle Corp.: Market Share, by Business Segment, 2020
Figure 58 : Albemarle Corp.: Market Share, by Geography, 2020
Figure 59 : Allkem Ltd.: Market Share, by Business Segment, 2020
Figure 60 : Allkem's Olaroz: Market Share, by Region, 2020
Figure 61 : Allkem's Borax: Market Share, by Region, 2020
Figure 62 : Ganfeng Lithium Co., Ltd.: Market Share, by Business Segment, 2020
Figure 63 : Ganfeng Lithium Co., Ltd.: Market Share, by Geography, 2020
Figure 64 : Livent Corp.: Market Share, by Application, 2020
Figure 65 : Livent Corp.: Market Share, by Product, 2020
Figure 66 : Livent Corp.: Market Share, by Geography, 2020
Figure 67 : SQM S.A.: Market Share, by Business Segment, 2020
Figure 68 : SQM S.A.: Market Share, by Region, 2020
Figure 69 : SQM S.A.: Market Share, by Geography, 2020
Figure 70 : Tianqi Lithium Industry Co., Ltd.: Market Share, by Product, 2020
Figure 71 : Tianqi Lithium Industry Co., Ltd.: Market Share, by Sector, 2020
Figure 72 : Tianqi Lithium Industry Co., Ltd.: Market Share, by Geography, 2020

Executive Summary

Lithium, symbolized by Li, is a chemical element of Group 1 (Ia) in the periodic table. It is a low-density metal in the alkali metal group, and it is lightest of the solid elements. Lithium is a soft and white metal, and several of its alloys and compounds are produced on an industrial scale.

The major commercial form of lithium is lithium carbonate, scientifically known as Li2CO3, produced from lithium brines by different processes. By adding hydrochloric acid, lithium carbonate produces lithium chloride compound, which is used to produce lithium metal by electrolysis. This lithium metal is a mixture of lithium and potassium chlorides, with a lower melting point, in the range of 400-420°C (750-790°F), than that of pure lithium chloride, which has a melting point of 610°C (1,130°F). Graphite anodes are used in the electrolysis process for lithium production, and the cathodes in this process are produced from steel. The pure lithium formed at the cathode coalesces at the surface of the electrolyte to form a molten pool, which is protected from reaction with air by a thin film of the electrolyte. The lithium is ladled from the cell and cast by pouring it into a mold at a temperature only slightly above the melting point, leaving the solidified electrolyte behind. The solid lithium metal is then re-melted. The lithium materials that are insoluble in the melt either float to the surface or sink to the bottom of the melt pot. The remelting step reduces the potassium content to <100 ppm (parts per million). Lithium metal, which can be drawn into a wire and rolled into sheets is harder than the other alkali metals but softer than lead.

Until 1990s, the lithium market was dominated by the Americas in terms of production from mineral deposits. In 21st century, this scenario changed completely, and most of the world’s lithium began to be produced by Australia, Chile and China, which are now among world’s largest suppliers of lithium. Lithium is not a rare metal, as it is widely available and distributed globally. It is primarily found in large concentrations in two material types: silicate minerals and mineral-rich salt brines. Salt brines (dry saline lake beds) were the major source of lithium in 2020 (approximately 60%), but extraction from minerals is still very significant (approximately 24%); the remaining lithium (16%) is sourced from clay deposits and other sources.

Companies Mentioned

  • Albemarle Corp.
  • Allkem Ltd.
  • Ganfeng Lithium Co. Ltd.
  • Lithium Americas Corp.
  • Livent Corp.
  • Nemaska Lithium Inc.
  • Pilbara Minerals Ltd.
  • Sichuan Yahua Industrial Group Co. Ltd. (Yahua Group)
  • Sqm S.A. (Sociedad Química Y Minera De Chile S.A.)
  • Tianqi Lithium Industry Co. Ltd.