Portugal on the list of the 8 largest lithium producers in the world
Lithium production has increased in the world, largely because of the growth of electric cars, as this metal is essential for the production of batteries that power these vehicles. Exponential growth can be marked on the calendar, more or less, from 2018.
The preservation of this ore in Portugal has been highly contested by residents of the regions and by environmental defense entities themselves, but what is certain is that we have one of the 8 countries that contributed most to the production of lithium in the world.
Portugal on the list of the 8 largest lithium producers in the world
Lithium is considered as the "white gold" for electric vehicles. It is the metal that plays a key role in the production of lithium-ion batteries that power electric vehicles. Consequently, the increase in EV adoption has pushed production to new highs. The infographic created by elements shows over 25 years of lithium production by country, from 1995 to 2021, based on data in BP's Statistical Review of World Energy data.
In the 1990s, the US was the largest producer of lithium, something that has completely changed over the years. Today the United States is responsible for only 1% of all production, with 900 tons. Next to the USA is Portugal, which, in 2021, also produced 900 tons, according to the data released. This year the production record was broken and 100,000 tonnes of this ore was requested.
For years, Chile took over world production, but today Australia is the country that most contributes to the guarantee of this metal in the world. Last year it produced more than 52% of all lithium, Chile 25% and China 13%.
And where is Lithium used?
According to the data presented, the use of the metal has changed in 10 years. In 2010, 23% of production was destined for batteries. In 2021, this number climbed to 74%. Ceramics and glass take the next largest share of total production.
End Use | Lithium Consumption 2010 (%) | Lithium Consumption 2021 (%) |
---|---|---|
batteries | 23% | 74% |
ceramics and glass | 31% | 14% |
lubricating greases | 10% | 3% |
air treatment | 5% | 1% |
continuous casting | 4% | two% |
Others | 27% | 6% |
Total | 100% | 100% |
As the world produces more batteries and electric vehicles, demand for lithium is expected to reach 1.5 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) by 2025 and more than 3 million tonnes by 2030. For context, the produced world 540,000 tonnes of LCE by 2021. Based on demand projections, production needs to triple by 2025 and increase almost sixfold by 2030. While supply is on an exponential growth trajectory, it could take six to more than 15 years for new lithium projects come online. As a result, the lithium market is projected to be loss-making for years to come.