Overview

• Researchers project that Europe, the U.S. and China will need 792,000, 692,000 and 1.3 million metric tons of lithium carbonate equivalent, respectively, by 2030.
• Existing and planned mining could deliver at most 325,000 tons in Europe, 229,000 to 610,000 tons in the U.S. and 804,000 to 1.1 million tons in China, leaving large deficits.
• Trade models suggest that a 77 percent rise in China’s lithium imports would cut U.S. supplies by 84 percent and European shipments by 78 percent.
• Researchers recommend scaling up alternative battery chemistries, including sodium-ion, to reduce reliance on lithium.
• Experts call for increased investment in public transit and domestic extraction projects in regions such as Cornwall and the North East of England to ease future shortages.