Mining 21st Century Power: Where Does Lithium Come From?

How Lithium Powers Modern Technology and Outdoor Energy Systems

Lithium is one of the most critical resources driving today’s clean energy revolution. From smartphones and laptops to 12V lithium batteries for boats, golf carts, and solar systems, this lightweight metal is the core ingredient powering our connected world.

In this article, we’ll walk through the fundamentals of lithium mining and production—from where it’s found to how it’s processed—and explain why lithium battery power is helping shape the future of global energy.

What Is Lithium and Why Does It Matter?

Discovered in 1817 by Swedish chemist Johan Arfwedson, lithium is a reactive alkali metal never found in its pure metallic form due to its extreme flammability. It becomes stable only after being refined into compounds like lithium carbonate or lithium hydroxide, which are used to create high-performance rechargeable batteries.

These batteries power everything from handheld electronics to 100Ah lithium marine batteries, custom battery boxes, and energy storage for off-grid systems.

1. Where Does Lithium Come From?

Lithium is extracted from two primary sources:

• Brine deposits: Found in underground saline water sources, particularly in arid regions with geothermal activity.

• Hard rock (pegmatites): These rocks contain minerals like spodumene and amblygonite, which are rich in lithium content.

While hard rock mining is common in places like Australia, brine extraction is typically more cost-effective and environmentally manageable. Both sources supply the raw material needed for products like 12 volt batteries, solar storage, and lithium trolling motor batteries.

2. Where Are the World’s Largest Lithium Reserves?

The global distribution of lithium is concentrated in a few key regions:

• Bolivia holds nearly 50% of the world’s known lithium reserves.

• South America’s Lithium Triangle—Chile, Argentina, and Bolivia—hosts the majority of brine-based lithiumresources.

• Australia, the world’s leading lithium producer, relies heavily on hard rock mining.

• The United States holds approximately 38,000 tons in extractable reserves, with ongoing exploration increasing that figure.

The Greenbushes deposit in Australia is currently the most productive lithium mine, accounting for a major portion of the world’s lithium supply.

3. How Is Lithium from Hard Rock Mined and Processed?

Extracting lithium from pegmatite rocks involves several steps:

1. Crushing the ore into smaller pieces

2. Froth flotation to separate lithium-bearing minerals

3. Metallurgical processing to produce lithium hydroxide or carbonate

The value of hard rock lithium depends on key factors like:

• Grade of the ore

• Presence of valuable by-products (e.g., cesium or beryllium)

• Level of impurities

• Location and infrastructure

Low-grade or remote deposits often increase production costs—something manufacturers factor in when choosing a lithium supplier for products like custom battery boxes or high-capacity 12V lithium batteries.

4. How Is Lithium from Brine Processed?

Brine extraction is a more time-intensive process that can take 8 months to 3 years. Here's how it works:

• Brine water is pumped to the surface and left in evaporation ponds.

• Over time, the water evaporates, leaving lithium-rich salts behind.

• These salts are further refined into battery-grade lithium.

Because the concentration of lithium in brine is measured in parts per million (ppm), this process requires precise environmental conditions, including dry climates and stable evaporation cycles.

Despite the wait time, brine-based lithium production is typically more affordable and sustainable—especially when used in solar systems, 12 volt battery arrays, and off-grid battery power solutions.

5. Global Lithium Market Leaders

The worldwide lithium supply chain is currently dominated by four major producers:

• Chinese Producers – 40% market share

• SQM (Chile) – 26% market share

• Albemarle (USA) – 20% market share

• FMC Corp (USA) – 12% market share

These companies produce and distribute lithium for everything from electric vehicle batteries to marine lithium batteries, energy storage systems, and 100Ah lithium batteries used in demanding outdoor environments.

Ready to Power Your Gear with Premium Lithium?

Now that you understand where lithium comes from and how it’s processed, it’s easy to see why this metal is so essential to the technologies we use every day.

At Lithium Battery Power, we provide industry-leading 12V lithium batteries, lithium marine batteries, and custom battery box solutions for everything from boats and golf carts to solar storage and portable power stations.

Whether you need dependable battery power for your next fishing trip or a long-term energy solution for your off-grid property, we’ve got the right lithium battery for your setup.

Explore our complete collection of lithium batteries or contact our team today to find the perfect power system for your needs.