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Global Lithium Sources—Industrial Use and Future in the Electric Vehicle Industry: A Review

Author

Listed:
  • Laurence Kavanagh

    (EnviroCORE, Department of Science and Health, Institute of Technology Carlow, Kilkenny, Road, Co., R93-V960 Carlow, Ireland)

  • Jerome Keohane

    (EnviroCORE, Department of Science and Health, Institute of Technology Carlow, Kilkenny, Road, Co., R93-V960 Carlow, Ireland)

  • Guiomar Garcia Cabellos

    (EnviroCORE, Department of Science and Health, Institute of Technology Carlow, Kilkenny, Road, Co., R93-V960 Carlow, Ireland)

  • Andrew Lloyd

    (EnviroCORE, Department of Science and Health, Institute of Technology Carlow, Kilkenny, Road, Co., R93-V960 Carlow, Ireland)

  • John Cleary

    (EnviroCORE, Department of Science and Health, Institute of Technology Carlow, Kilkenny, Road, Co., R93-V960 Carlow, Ireland)

Abstract

Lithium is a key component in green energy storage technologies and is rapidly becoming a metal of crucial importance to the European Union. The different industrial uses of lithium are discussed in this review along with a compilation of the locations of the main geological sources of lithium. An emphasis is placed on lithium’s use in lithium ion batteries and their use in the electric vehicle industry. The electric vehicle market is driving new demand for lithium resources. The expected scale-up in this sector will put pressure on current lithium supplies. The European Union has a burgeoning demand for lithium and is the second largest consumer of lithium resources. Currently, only 1–2% of worldwide lithium is produced in the European Union (Portugal). There are several lithium mineralisations scattered across Europe, the majority of which are currently undergoing mining feasibility studies. The increasing cost of lithium is driving a new global mining boom and should see many of Europe’s mineralisation’s becoming economic. The information given in this paper is a source of contextual information that can be used to support the European Union’s drive towards a low carbon economy and to develop the field of research.

Suggested Citation

  • Laurence Kavanagh & Jerome Keohane & Guiomar Garcia Cabellos & Andrew Lloyd & John Cleary, 2018. "Global Lithium Sources—Industrial Use and Future in the Electric Vehicle Industry: A Review," Resources, MDPI, vol. 7(3), pages 1-29, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jresou:v:7:y:2018:i:3:p:57-:d:170238
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Yaksic, Andrés & Tilton, John E., 2009. "Using the cumulative availability curve to assess the threat of mineral depletion: The case of lithium," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 34(4), pages 185-194, December.
    2. Laurence Kavanagh & Jerome Keohane & John Cleary & Guiomar Garcia Cabellos & Andrew Lloyd, 2017. "Lithium in the Natural Waters of the South East of Ireland," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(6), pages 1-16, May.
    3. Vikström, Hanna & Davidsson, Simon & Höök, Mikael, 2013. "Lithium availability and future production outlooks," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 110(C), pages 252-266.
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