In this piece, we will take a look at the five countries that produce the most lithium. For more countries, head on over to 12 Countries That Produce The Most Lithium.
5. United States of America
Estimated Annual Lithium Production in 2021 in Tons: 5,000
The United States of America is the largest economy in the world nominally, and the world’s leading producer of several commodities. However, lithium mining in America is relatively undeveloped, despite 750,000 tons of reserves as of 2021. While data for American lithium production is withheld by the US Geological Survey, there is currently only one lithium mine operating in the country which is located in the state of Nevada. This is the Silver Peak mine that is operated by Albemarle, and according to comments made by the company’s president in 2022, the facility is capable of producing 5,000 metric tons of lithium in a year. Most of America’s lithium reserves are found near tribal lands, which raises fears and worries of a cultural impact from mining them which often involves displacing large amounts of soil and harming the general landscape.
4. Argentine Republic
Annual Lithium Production in 2021 in Tons: 6,200
The Argentine Republic is a South American country that is the largest in the region after Brazil. However, its economy is significantly smaller than Brazil’s, as it is currently worth $1.2 trillion with a GDP per capita of $26,074. Mining in Argentina covers several materials such as gold, aluminum, lead, zinc, and copper. It is also one of the largest producers of aluminum, with production sitting at 6,200 tons as of 2021 end.
3. People’s Republic of China (PRC)
Annual Lithium Production in 2021 in Tons: 14,000
The People’s Republic of China (PRC) is the world’s largest economy in nominal terms and also houses the world’s largest population. It is a growing power, one of the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, and the only county in the world that is capable of matching the United States of America in terms of global power. China is also a global lithium powerhouse, and according to the International Energy Agency, it accounts for 60% of the world’s lithium chemical supply. China produced 14,000 tons of lithium in 2021.
2. Republic of Chile
Annual Lithium Production in 2021 in Tons: 14,000
The Republic of Chile is a South American country and one that traces its roots back to 18,500 years ago. Modern day Chile has an economy that is worth $568 billion with a GDP per capita of $28,526. The Chilean mining industry is one of the strongest sectors of its economy, with it relying on copper for the bulk of its production and income. The country produced 26,000 tons of lithium in 2021.
1. Commonwealth of Australia
Annual Lithium Production in 2021 in Tons: 55,000
The Commonwealth of Australia, simply known as Australia, is one of the largest countries in the world in terms of land mass. It is also the only country in the world that spans an entire continent, in the form of being located on mainland Australia. The Australian GDP was worth $1.6 trillion in 2022, with a per capita of $62,192. The country produced 55,000 metric tons of lithium in 2021, and it produces a wide variety of other materials and minerals as well such as iron, gold, cobalt, copper, diamonds, and lead.
You can also take a peek at 15 Countries That Produce the Most Oil and 10 Best Quantum Computing Stocks To Buy.
