World lithium production 2025
Lithium, often referred to as "white gold," is a vital mineral fueling the global energy transition, particularly in electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy storage. As demand surges, understanding lithium production trends and their environmental implications is essential. Meanwhile, cement production remains a cornerstone of the construction industry, shaping infrastructure worldwide. This article explores global lithium production in 2025, its key players, and challenges, alongside cement’s role in construction and its environmental footprint, supported by authoritative data and visualizations.
Global Lithium Production: A Growing Industry
In 2023, global lithium mine production reached 180,000 metric tons of lithium content, a 23% increase from 146,000 tons in 2022, driven by rising demand for lithium-ion batteries. Projections for 2025 estimate production to reach 220,000–240,000 metric tons, reflecting new projects and capacity expansions. Australia, Chile, and China dominate, contributing over 90% of global output in 2023. Forecasts suggest lithium demand will surpass 1.4 million metric tons of lithium carbonate equivalent by 2025, a 53% increase from 2023, potentially straining supply.
Lithium is extracted from hard-rock spodumene mines, mainly in Australia, and brine deposits in South America’s Lithium Triangle, which includes Chile, Argentina, and Bolivia. In 2023, batteries accounted for 87% of lithium demand, with ceramics, glass, and lubricants consuming the remainder. The surge in electric vehicle sales, particularly in China, which accounted for 60% of global sales in 2024, is a primary driver. However, supply chain bottlenecks and geopolitical tensions could hinder production growth.
Key Lithium-Producing Countries
Australia led global lithium production in 2023 with 86,000 metric tons, representing 47.8% of the total, primarily from spodumene mines like Greenbushes. Its 6.2 million tons of reserves ensure continued dominance, though production cuts in 2025 due to low prices may limit output. Chile, with 44,000 tons (24.4%), relies on brine operations in the Atacama Desert, backed by 9.3 million tons of reserves, the world’s largest. China produced 33,000 tons (18.3%), focusing on both mining and processing, controlling 85% of global battery-grade lithium refining. Emerging producers like Argentina (9,600 tons), Brazil (4,900 tons), and Canada (3,400 tons) are expanding capacity, with Argentina’s brine projects gaining traction.
In 2025, Australia’s production is projected to reach 90,000–100,000 tons, Chile’s 50,000–55,000 tons, and China’s 40,000–45,000 tons, assuming no major disruptions. Emerging producers like Brazil, with investments exceeding $2.1 billion by 2030, and Bolivia, with 23 million tons of resources, could reshape the market if sociopolitical barriers are addressed.
Challenges in Lithium Production
Despite robust growth, lithium production faces challenges. An oversupply in 2024, with a surplus of 154,000 tons of lithium carbonate equivalent, led to price drops from $79,650 per ton in 2022 to $15,250 in April 2024. Projections indicate a tighter market in 2025, with a surplus of just 10,000 tons, potentially shifting to a 1,500-ton deficit in 2026. Production cuts by Australian firms and closures of Chinese lepidolite mines reflect market adjustments. Geopolitical risks, including potential export restrictions on lithium processing technologies, threaten global supply chains. New projects also face delays of 6–15 years due to environmental regulations and community opposition, particularly in brine-rich regions.
Environmental concerns are significant, as lithium extraction from brines can deplete groundwater, impacting local ecosystems. Hard-rock mining generates substantial waste, with 1 ton of lithium requiring 250 tons of ore. Recycling, currently less than 5% of supply, is a growing focus, with estimates suggesting recycled lithium could meet 10% of demand by 2030.
Lithium Production Data: Regional Breakdown
The table below summarizes lithium mine production by key countries in 2023, with projections for 2025.
| Country | 2023 Production (Mt) | 2025 Projected Production (Mt) | Reserves (Mt) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 86,000 | 90,000–100,000 | 6,200,000 |
| Chile | 44,000 | 50,000–55,000 | 9,300,000 |
| China | 33,000 | 40,000–45,000 | 1,500,000 |
Visualization: Lithium Production by Country (2023 vs. 2025)
Cement Production: Foundation of Construction
Global cement production reached 4.1 billion tonnes in 2023, with China producing 51% (2.1 billion tonnes), followed by India (400 million tonnes) and the European Union (180 million tonnes). The industry supports a $10.7 trillion construction sector, providing concrete for roads, bridges, and buildings. Demand is projected to grow to 5.2 billion tonnes by 2050, driven by urbanization in Asia and Africa, where urban populations will increase by 2.5 billion.
Cement production is energy-intensive, consuming 100 kWh of electricity per tonne and relying on coal for 60% of thermal energy. This contributes to 5% of global CO2 emissions, with 2.6 billion tonnes emitted in 2023. The process emits 40% of CO2 from fuel combustion and 50% from limestone calcination. Innovations like green cement, electric kilns, and carbon capture could reduce emissions by 50% by 2050, but high costs and slow adoption remain barriers.
Cement’s Role in Construction and Sustainability
Cement’s durability makes it essential for concrete, used in 80% of global construction projects. In 2023, the construction industry grew by 3.2%, with cement demand rising in developing nations. Environmental regulations are pushing the industry toward sustainability. For instance, a carbon tax on high-carbon cement imports, effective in 2026, will incentivize low-carbon alternatives. Recycled materials and alternative fuels, such as waste-derived biomass, are gaining traction, with 15% of cement kilns globally using such fuels in 2023.
Cement Production Data: Key Regions
The table below outlines cement production and environmental impact in 2023.
| Region | Production (Mt) | CO2 Emissions (Mt) | Electricity Intensity (kWh/t) |
|---|---|---|---|
| China | 2,100 | 1,200 | 100 |
| India | 400 | 240 | 95 |
| EU | 180 | 100 | 90 |
Interconnection: Lithium and Cement in the Energy Transition
Lithium and cement are interconnected through the energy transition. Lithium-ion batteries power electric vehicles and store renewable energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels used in cement production. Conversely, cement is critical for renewable energy infrastructure, such as wind turbine foundations and solar plant structures, which require 200–300 tonnes of concrete per megawatt. The construction of lithium mining facilities, like processing plants in Argentina, also depends on cement. Both industries face pressure to reduce emissions, with lithium recycling and low-carbon cement as key solutions.
Future Trends and Policy Implications
By 2030, lithium demand is projected to exceed 3 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent, requiring 150 new battery factories and $116 billion in investments. Supply must triple by 2025 to avoid deficits, necessitating faster project approvals and recycling advancements. For cement, policies promoting energy efficiency and carbon capture are essential. Governments must incentivize sustainable practices, such as tax breaks for carbon capture and subsidies for recycled lithium, to align both industries with net-zero targets.
Global cooperation is critical to address supply chain vulnerabilities and environmental impacts. Diversifying lithium production beyond Australia, Chile, and China can mitigate geopolitical risks. For cement, scaling alternative materials like geopolymers could reduce emissions by 40% by 2040. Investments in infrastructure, from lithium mines to green cement plants, will shape a sustainable future.
Sources
- Lithium Statistics and Information
https://www.usgs.gov/centers/national-minerals-information-center/lithium-statistics-and-information
Provides global lithium production and reserve data for 2023. - Lithium
https://www.iea.org/reports/lithium
Analyzes lithium supply, demand, and energy transition impacts. - Lithium Facts
https://natural-resources.canada.ca/our-natural-resources/minerals-mining/minerals-metals-facts/lithium-facts/24009
Details global and Canadian lithium production and applications. - Cement
https://www.iea.org/reports/cement
Outlines global cement production and CO2 emissions. - World Bank - Industrial Production Data
https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NV.IND.MANF.ZS
Provides global industrial production statistics, including cement.
