China’s Battery Factories May Sit Atop Lithium Resources
The world’s largest battery maker and user, the country that dominates all alternative energy technology, is about to find out whether it could also boost its already dominant presence in a critical battery metal: lithium. China, according to a new study, could have significant, untapped resources of lithium right underneath its battery factories. The possibility was detailed in a recent study…
China, the world's largest battery maker and user, may soon have the opportunity to further solidify its dominance in the lithium market. According to a recent study, significant, untapped lithium deposits could be found underneath China's battery factories in East and South China. These deposits, resulting from ancient volcanic activity, contain lithium mineralized into volcanic clay.
This discovery could help China reduce its dependence on foreign lithium and lower transport costs and supply-chain risks. However, the concentration of lithium in these clay-rich formations is relatively low, making commercial viability uncertain. China's lithium supply chain currently accounts for between 70% and 80% of the global supply, with the country being second only to Australia in lithium production and processing.
While this news is promising, it remains to be seen if China will capitalize on this potential advantage.
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