However, due to low lithium contents and high magnesium-to-lithium ratios, lithium extraction from these sources is still technically difficult. Advanced extraction techniques are required to make the most of these resources.
According to a report by the South China Morning Post (SCMP), hard-rock ores from places like Zimbabwe and the highly concentrated brine resources in South America are the main sources of lithium for China, the largest refiner of lithium in the world.
To meet domestic demand, Chinese mining companies have expanded operations in Zimbabwe, bolstering global lithium supply chains. Dominating lithium-ion battery production, China accounts for 77 percent of the world’s EV batteries, with combined exports exceeding $139 billion in 2023.