Mineral commodity
LITHIUM
Lithium, one of the lightest and most versatile metals, has emerged as one of the most strategic commodities of the 21st century. With the advancement of clean energy technologies and the growing demand for sustainable solutions, lithium has become a key element in the development of rechargeable batteries, used in electric vehicles, electronic devices and in the storage of renewable energy.
The global transition to a greener economy is directly linked to the ability to store energy efficiently. Lithium, widely used in lithium-ion batteries, is essential to this transformation, as these batteries offer high energy density, are lightweight and have a relatively long lifespan, making them essential for electric vehicles and solar and wind power systems.
With the increasing adoption of electric cars and the increasing demand for clean energy, the lithium market has experienced accelerated growth. Countries such as Australia, Chile, Argentina and China are leaders in lithium extraction and production, with vast natural reserves. These nations occupy key positions in the global supply chain, exporting the metal to high-tech industries around the world.
Lithium is mainly mined in two forms: as a spodumene mineral, found in hard rocks, and from brine, extracted from underground deposits in salt lakes (salt flats). The lithium market is characterized by high price volatility, as demand fluctuates in line with technological developments and government policies related to electrification and sustainable energy.
In recent years, the price of lithium has skyrocketed, driven by the rapid growth of the electric vehicle market and massive investment in renewable energy storage infrastructure. This has led to lithium being classified as a critical commodity, given its central role in the decarbonization of the global economy.
