Today, the landscape of lithium-mining companies is undergoing dynamic shifts, propelled by surging demand for lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles and renewable energy storage. With this in mind, prominent companies have taken a seat in the industry as some of the biggest lithium-mining companies right now:
Albemarle
Based in North Carolina and listed on the NYSE under the ticker symbol ALB, Albemarle stands as the world’s largest lithium company, boasting a workforce of over 7,000 employees. Its restructuring in 2022 led to the formation of two business units, including Albemarle Energy Storage, which focuses on lithium-ion batteries.
With operations spanning Australia, Chile, and the US, Albemarle is committed to technological advancements and expansion, such as direct lithium extraction and enhancing domestic production, in line with US government goals.
Ganfeng Lithium
Established in 2000 and publicly listed in 2010, Ganfeng Lithium has swiftly risen as a key player in the electric vehicle battery supply chain, boasting a market capitalization of US$12.9 billion and a share price of US$6.68.
Despite its relatively short history, the company has emerged as a leading producer of lithium metals and hydroxide, prioritizing overseas investments to secure lithium resources globally. With diverse lithium assets across China, Argentina, Australia, and Ireland, including a joint venture with Mineral Resources for the Mount Marion mine in Australia, Ganfeng Lithium has expanded its reach significantly.
Notably, it recently invested in Leo Lithium’s Goulamina project in Mali and inked supply agreements with major players such as BMW, Tesla, LG Chem, and Volkswagen.
SQM
SQM, a leading company in the industry, boasts a market capitalization of US$17.14 billion and a share price of US$62.18. Operating globally with offices in over 20 countries, it caters to customers in 110 nations. With a diverse portfolio spanning five business segments, SQM primarily conducts lithium operations in Chile while expanding production in Australia.
In Chile, it extracts brine from the Salar de Atacama, processing it into lithium carbonate and hydroxide at its Salar del Carmen facilities. The company is investing US$1.5 billion in the Salar Futuro project for environmental advancements. SQM is also advancing the Mount Holland lithium project in Australia and previously participated in the Caucharí-Olaroz lithium project in Argentina.
Pilbara Minerals
Pilbara Minerals, with a market capitalization of US$9.01 billion and a share price of US$3.00, operates the Pilgangoora lithium-tantalum asset in Western Australia, wholly owned by the company. The asset achieved commercial production in 2019, boasting two processing plants: the Pilgan and Ngungaju plants, situated north and south, respectively, producing spodumene and tantalite concentrates.
In 2021, Pilbara Minerals expanded its holdings through the acquisition of Altura Lithium for US$155 million, fostering partnerships with industry leaders like Ganfeng Lithium, General Lithium, and others. Currently, Pilbara seeks a joint venture for a US$1 billion lithium hydroxide processing plant, aiming for completion by 2023.
Expansion projects include the P680 and P1000 expansions at the Pilgangoora site, with plans to commission a midstream demonstration plant in collaboration with Calix, employing electric kiln technology to decarbonize processing and enhance on-site value-added processing.
Tianqi Lithium
A subsidiary of the Chengdu Tianqi Industry Group, Tianqi Lithium stands as the world’s biggest hard-rock lithium producer, boasting a market capitalization of US$12.99 billion and a share price of US$8.06.
With operations spanning Chile, China, and Australia, Tianqi Lithium holds a notable stake in SQM. Since acquiring the Greenbushes mine in Australia in 2012, the company has made significant strides, including establishing a lithium hydroxide plant in Western Australia.
Despite encountering challenges such as technical issues at its Kwinana plant, Tianqi remains determined to achieve 50 percent production capacity by 2023. Notably, in 2020, it sold Australian assets to IGO, securing a financial uplift, and made its debut on the Hong Kong stock exchange in 2022, raising approximately US$1.7 billion.
Frequently Asked Questions When Investing in Lithium
How do you buy lithium stocks?
For investors eyeing lithium stocks, recognizing the interplay of supply and demand is essential amid the green energy focus. Electric vehicle and energy storage sectors drive demand, fostering optimism among analysts who anticipate tight market conditions ahead. Look to major stock exchanges like the US, Canada, and Australia for investment opportunities. Additionally, leverage comprehensive guides to evaluate lithium stocks, considering factors like industry trends and company performance.
What is the earth’s lithium capacity?
Lithium, the 33rd most abundant element in the Earth’s crust, has seen its identified resources increase to around 89 million metric tons (MT) worldwide, according to the US Geological Survey. Global reserves stand at approximately 22 million MT, with production reaching 100,000 MT in 2021.
Will lithium ever run out?
It’s unlikely that lithium will run out anytime soon. Despite the increasing demand driven by its crucial role in green energy initiatives, companies are consistently discovering new lithium reserves and advancing extraction technologies. Moreover, efforts to recycle battery metals, including lithium, are underway, promising to reintegrate lithium from lithium-ion batteries back into the supply chain.
What technology can be used to replace lithium?
Scientists have been actively exploring various alternatives to lithium for batteries. These alternatives encompass hydrogen batteries, liquid batteries adaptable for vehicle use, sodium or magnesium-based batteries as substitutes for lithium, and even batteries fueled by seawater. While none of these alternatives seem poised to replace lithium-ion batteries immediately, there’s potential for more efficient or environmentally sustainable options to gain traction in the future.
Which country leads in lithium production?
Australia, Chile, and China are the top lithium-producing nations, with production figures of 55,000 MT, 26,000 MT, and 14,000 MT, respectively, according to the latest statistics from the US Geological Survey.
Who holds the title of largest lithium miner?
The Greenbushes hard-rock mine in Australia, jointly operated by Talison Lithium and Albemarle, ranks as the world’s largest lithium-producing mine, yielding around 37,000 metric tons (MT) of lithium in concentrate in 2022. SQM’s Salar de Atacama operations in Chile follow closely behind, securing the second spot with a lithium output of 29,500 MT in 2022. SQM’s operations also hold the title of the world’s leading lithium brine producer.
Who are the leading lithium consumers?
China stands out as the foremost lithium-importing nation by a considerable margin, followed closely by South Korea, which also holds significant importance as an importer. Notably, China leads in lithium processing activities, with both countries hosting numerous companies engaged in the production of lithium-ion batteries.
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