In 2024, reserves of lithium in Chile amounted to an estimated *** million metric tons, the largest worldwide. That same year, Australia held a total lithium reserves of some ***** million metric tons. Australia leads lithium production Lithium is a soft, silver-white metal which occurs only in compounds as a mineral due to its high reactivity. Mineral reserves are defined as those minerals that were extractable or producible at the time of estimate. Chile had the largest lithium reserves worldwide, by a large margin. However, Australia was the top country in lithium mine production in 2024, with an output of ** thousand metric tons of lithium that year.

Lithium and the future of mobility Batteries account for the largest share of lithium end-usage. Propelled by the growth in the electric vehicle market, powered by rechargeable lithium batteries, global lithium demand is forecast to reach *** million metric tons by 2025. As of the first half of 2024, Chinese CATL and BYD were the top producers of lithium battery cells, combined accounting for more than half of the global market.

This data release provides the descriptions of approximately 20 U.S. sites that include mineral regions, mines, and mineral occurrences (deposits and prospects) that contain enrichments of lithium (Li). This release includes sites that have a contained resource and (or) past production of lithium metal greater than 15,000 metric tons. Sites in this database occur in Arkansas, California, Nevada, North Carolina, and Utah. There are several deposits that were not included in the database because they did not meet the cutoff requirement, and those occur in Arizona, Colorado, the New England area, New Mexico, South Dakota, and Wyoming. In the United States, lithium was first mined from pegmatite orebodies in South Dakota in the late 1800s. The Kings Mountain pegmatite belt of North Carolina also had significant production from pegmatites, and the area may still contain as much as 750 million metric tons (Mt) of ore containing 5 Mt lithium metal (Kesler and others, 2012). In 2018, U.S. production of lithium was restricted to a single lithium-brine mining operation in Nevada. In 2018, the U.S. had a net import reliance as a percentage of apparent consumption of more than 50 percent for lithium (U.S. Geological Survey, 2019). The U.S. is not a significant producer of lithium, so the commodity is mainly imported from Chile and Argentina to meet consumer demand. Lithium is necessary for strategic, consumer, and commercial applications. The primary uses for lithium are in batteries, ceramics, glass, metallurgy, pharmaceuticals, and polymers (U.S. Geological Survey, 2019). Lithium has excellent electrical conductivity and low density (lithium metal will float on water), making it an ideal component for battery manufacturing. Lithium is traded in three primary forms: mineral concentrates, mineral compounds (from brines), and refined metal (electrolysis from lithium chloride). Lithium mineralogy is diverse; it occurs in a variety of pegmatite minerals such as spodumene, lepidolite, amblygonite, and in the clay mineral hectorite. Current global production of lithium is dominated by pegmatite and closed-basin brine deposits, but there are significant resources in lithium-bearing clay minerals, oilfield brines, and geothermal brines (Bradley and others, 2017). The entries and descriptions in the database were derived from published papers, reports, data, and internet documents representing a variety of sources, including geologic and exploration studies described in State, Federal, and industry reports. Resources extracted from older sources might not be compliant with current rules and guidelines in minerals industry standards such as National Instrument 43-101 (NI 43-101) or the Joint Ore Reserves Committee Code (JORC Code). The inclusion of a particular lithium mineral deposit in this database is not meant to imply that the deposit is currently economic. Rather, these deposits were included to capture the characteristics of the larger lithium deposits in the United States, which are diverse in their geology and resource potential. Inclusion of material in the database is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. The authors welcome additional published information in order to continually update and refine this dataset. Bradley, D.C., Stillings, L.L., Jaskula, B.W., Munk, LeeAnn, and McCauley, A.D., 2017, Lithium, chap. K of Schulz, K.J., DeYoung, J.H., Jr., Seal, R.R., II, and Bradley, D.C., eds., Critical mineral resources of the United States—Economic and environmental geology and prospects for future supply: U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 1802, p. K1–K21, https://doi.org/10.3133/pp1802K. Kesler, S.E., Gruber, P.W., Medina, P.A., Keoleian, G.A., Everson, M.P., and Wallington, T.J., 2012, Global lithium resources—relative importance of pegmatite, brine and other deposits: Ore Geology Reviews, v. 48, October ed., p. 55—69. U.S. Geological Survey, 2019, Mineral commodity summaries 2019: U.S. Geological Survey, 200 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/70202434.

The world's mine production of lithium reached a new high of 240,000 metric tons in 2024. This represented a significant increase from 2010, when global lithium production stood at about 28,100 metric tons. Lithium: a useful and elusive element The chemical element lithium has many uses but is most notably used in batteries, mental health treatment, and in pyrotechnics. This silvery-white alkali metal was first isolated in 1855 by Augustus Mattiessen and Robert Bunsen. Lithium is widely present worldwide, but due to its high reactivity it does not naturally occur in its elemental form. Chile and Australia have the largest lithium reserves in the world. Lithium producers There are several key players involved in the lucrative global lithium mining business. Based on market capitalization, Albemarle was the leading lithium producing company in 2024. Looking to the future, lithium producers have a strong outlook, as the total worldwide lithium demand is expected to increase significantly in the coming years.

The point and polygon layers within this geodatabase present the global distribution of selected mineral resource features (deposits, mines, districts, mineral regions) for 22 minerals or mineral commodities considered critical to the economy and security of the United States as of 2017. These data complement the report by Schulz and others (2017) which provides national and global information on 23 critical minerals - antimony (Sb), barite (barium, Ba), beryllium (Be), cobalt (Co), fluorite or fluorspar (fluorine, F), gallium (Ga), germanium (Ge), graphite (carbon, C), hafnium (Hf), indium (In), lithium (Li), manganese (Mn), niobium (Nb), platinum-group elements (PGE), rare-earth elements (REE), rhenium (Re), selenium (Se), tantalum (Ta), tellurium (Te), tin (Sn), titanium (Ti), vanadium (V), and zirconium (Zr) resources. The geospatial locations for deposits containing selenium, which is recovered mainly as a byproduct of other produced mineral commodities, is not included in this geodatabase. These geospatial data and the accompanying report are an update to information published in 1973 in U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 820, United States Mineral Resources. For the current and full discussion of the individual critical minerals, their uses, identified resources, national and global distribution, geologic overview, resource assessment, and geoenvironmental considerations see: Schulz, K.J., DeYoung, J.H., Jr., Seal, R.R., II, and Bradley, D.C., eds., 2017, Critical mineral resources of the United States—Economic and environmental geology and prospects for future supply: U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 1802, 777 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/pp1802

Rhyolite Ridge is located in the northern Silver Peak Range of southwestern Nevada and contains significant sediment-hosted lithium and boron deposits that are nearing development. Despite the economic importance of these resources, the primary source of lithium, deformation history, and the relative influences of structural, stratigraphic, and magmatic controls on lithium enrichment are uncertain. This report presents new 1:24,000-scale geologic mapping, whole-rock geochemistry, and a sub-regional compilation of Cenozoic geochronologic data to support the evaluation and assessment of these critical minerals through the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI). Most of the economic lithium and boron mineralization occurs in the upper Miocene to lower Pliocene Cave Spring formation, which is composed of interbedded lacustrine claystone, marl, limestone, volcaniclastic rocks, and tuffs. Anomalously high concentrations of lithium (up to 2,620 ppm; Reynolds and Chafetz, 2020) are bound in marl, smectite, and mixed illite-smectite clays, while boron is primarily associated with searlesite. The Cave Spring formation is mostly contained within a single structural basin in the study area and was deposited in an alluvial-lacustrine environment on top of ~6.1–5.8 Ma rhyolitic tuffs and lavas of the Rhyolite Ridge and Argentite Canyon formations. Geochemical data from these pre-basin volcanic rocks contain exceptionally high whole-rock lithium concentrations up to 451 ppm, though with notable spatial heterogeneity. The high lithium (and boron) concentrations and considerable spatial extent and volume of these rhyolites implicate them as a probable source for the mineralization in the Cave Spring formation. The White Hill and Cave Spring faults are a pair of conjugate normal faults that controlled deposition of the Cave Spring formation in an internally drained, alluvial-lacustrine basin that experienced WNW-directed extension since latest Miocene time (Ogilvie, 2023). Field relations, subsurface well data, airborne electromagnetic surveys, and our synthesis of geochronologic constraints indicate a similar style of extension across the study area associated with both NW- and SE-dipping normal faults. Active faulting and basin subsidence continues today near the western map boundary along the Emigrant Peak fault zone that bounds northern Fish Lake Valley.This research and field work was supported by the U.S. Geological Survey, Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI) Program and National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, under USGS award number G21AC10365, and by a graduate student research grant to I. Ogilvie from the Geological Society of America.

Chad: Lithium production in metric tons: The latest value from is metric tons, unavailable from metric tons in . In comparison, the world average is 0 metric tons, based on data from countries. Historically, the average for Chad from to is metric tons. The minimum value, metric tons, was reached in while the maximum of metric tons was recorded in .

Trinidad and Tobago: Lithium production in metric tons: The latest value from is metric tons, unavailable from metric tons in . In comparison, the world average is 0 metric tons, based on data from countries. Historically, the average for Trinidad and Tobago from to is metric tons. The minimum value, metric tons, was reached in while the maximum of metric tons was recorded in .

Cuba: Lithium production in metric tons: The latest value from is metric tons, unavailable from metric tons in . In comparison, the world average is 0 metric tons, based on data from countries. Historically, the average for Cuba from to is metric tons. The minimum value, metric tons, was reached in while the maximum of metric tons was recorded in .

Panama: Lithium production in metric tons: The latest value from is metric tons, unavailable from metric tons in . In comparison, the world average is 0 metric tons, based on data from countries. Historically, the average for Panama from to is metric tons. The minimum value, metric tons, was reached in while the maximum of metric tons was recorded in .

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has the largest cobalt reserves in the world, at some *********** metric tons as of 2024. With the world's total cobalt reserves amounting to ********** metric tons that year, the DR Congo accounted for more than **** of the worldwide reserves of the metal. This was followed by Australia, which held an impressive *********** metric tons of the global cobalt reserves in 2024. Cobalt: coveted, yet not so rare Although cobalt is not especially rare – ranking 32nd in global abundance among metals – it has become an increasingly important commodity due to its use in batteries, as well as in alloys, chemicals and ceramics, cemented carbides, and more. It is forecast that in 2040, the global cobalt demand for use in batteries will amount to ******* tons, up from ****** metric tons in recent years. Cobalt's use in batteries applies particularly to the batteries of electric cars which have transformed the demand for this metal; in 2024 the price of cobalt stood at ** U.S. dollars per pound. U.S. cobalt consumption The United States used some ***** metric tons of cobalt in 2023, based on apparent consumption. Cobalt supply in the North American country is achieved primarily through imports and scrap materials. Most of the country's consumption of this metal is destined to the production of superalloys, followed by chemical and ceramic uses.

The Gambia: Lithium production in metric tons: The latest value from is metric tons, unavailable from metric tons in . In comparison, the world average is 0 metric tons, based on data from countries. Historically, the average for the Gambia from to is metric tons. The minimum value, metric tons, was reached in while the maximum of metric tons was recorded in .

Dominican Republic: Lithium production in metric tons: The latest value from is metric tons, unavailable from metric tons in . In comparison, the world average is 0 metric tons, based on data from countries. Historically, the average for Dominican Republic from to is metric tons. The minimum value, metric tons, was reached in while the maximum of metric tons was recorded in .

Brazil: Lithium production in metric tons: The latest value from 2022 is 94500 metric tons, an increase from 60000 metric tons in 2021. In comparison, the world average is 405872 metric tons, based on data from 8 countries. Historically, the average for Brazil from 2003 to 2022 is 21634 metric tons. The minimum value, 5781 metric tons, was reached in 2015 while the maximum of 94500 metric tons was recorded in 2022.

Contained within the 3rd Edition (1957) of the Atlas of Canada is a map that shows four condensed maps of non-ferrous metal mines, including refineries, smelters and reduction works that were in production or coming into production in Eastern Canada circa 1955. As production figures for individual mines were not available, an attempt was made to convey their relative importance by showing the ore mill capacities. The metallurgical industries associated with non-ferrous metal mining convert most of the ore produced into metal in Canada but there were some exceptions. No lithium metal was produced in Canada, while the product of the lithium mine in Quebec was shipped as spodumene concentrates; similarly, the product of the molybdenum mine in Quebec was shipped as molybdenum concentrates. Some titanium metal was produced, largely on an experimental basis but most of the titanium, in the form of titanium dioxide, was exported for use in the pigment industry. The national map entitled Labour Force Engaged in Mining and Quarrying includes the foremen; labourers; millmen; timber men; and other persons engaged in the mining of metals, industrial minerals and coal, the recovery of crude petroleum and natural gas, stone quarrying, the recovery of sand and gravel and processing for minerals, gas and petroleum. The inset map of the Sudbury Basin was chosen for inclusion here because it was one of the most famous mineralized formations in the world and was for may years the chief source for nickel for the world. These maps are accompanied by a set of pie charts showing the percentage production of non-ferrous metals by province and territory circa 1955.

In 2025, the global demand for lithium is expected to surpass *** million metric tons of lithium carbonate equivalent, a growth of ** percent in comparison to 2023. Increases in battery demand for electric vehicles will be a strong driver of lithium consumption in the next decade.

Argentina: Lithium production in metric tons: The latest value from 2022 is 35659 metric tons, an increase from 32243 metric tons in 2021. In comparison, the world average is 405872 metric tons, based on data from 8 countries. Historically, the average for Argentina from 2003 to 2022 is 21870 metric tons. The minimum value, 7550 metric tons, was reached in 2003 while the maximum of 35659 metric tons was recorded in 2022.

In 2022, the average price of battery-grade lithium carbonate stood at ****** U.S. dollars per metric ton. This figure is by far the highest price for battery-grade lithium carbonate recorded in the period of consideration. For 2024, lithium carbonate price was estimated at ****** U.S. dollars per metric ton. Lithium is a highly reactive soft and silvery-white alkali metal. As the third element in the periodic table, it cannot be found in its pure form in nature. Lithium is the least dense of solid elements and the lightest out of all metals. Lithium and batteries One of lithium’s most well-known end uses is in lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable and mostly used in portable electronics and electronic vehicles. In lithium-ion batteries, the lithium ions move from the negative electrode to positive electrode while in use, and the process is reversed while charging. These batteries are highly flammable but are also low-maintenance. They have a high energy density and a low self-discharge. Some drawbacks include the fact that they are expensive to manufacture, and that they require protection circuits to maintain the voltage safely. Lithium-ion batteries are also the single-largest end use of lithium, amounting to an ** percent share of global lithium consumption in 2024. Lithium demand forecasts Looking to the future, lithium demand is forecast to stand at *** million tons by 2025. This growth will be mainly driven by lithium-ion battery demand for electric vehicles. Demand is expected to remain the highest in China, which will consistently account for half of global lithium-ion battery demand.

Chile: Lithium production in metric tons: The latest value from 2022 is 217713 metric tons, an increase from 162477 metric tons in 2021. In comparison, the world average is 405872 metric tons, based on data from 8 countries. Historically, the average for Chile from 2003 to 2022 is 78956 metric tons. The minimum value, 30538 metric tons, was reached in 2009 while the maximum of 217713 metric tons was recorded in 2022.

Haiti: Lithium production in metric tons: The latest value from is metric tons, unavailable from metric tons in . In comparison, the world average is 0 metric tons, based on data from countries. Historically, the average for Haiti from to is metric tons. The minimum value, metric tons, was reached in while the maximum of metric tons was recorded in .

The USA: Lithium production in metric tons: The latest value from 2013 is 4600 metric tons, unavailable from metric tons in . In comparison, the world average is 72720 metric tons, based on data from 8 countries. Historically, the average for the USA from 2013 to 2013 is 4600 metric tons. The minimum value, 4600 metric tons, was reached in 2013 while the maximum of 4600 metric tons was recorded in 2013.