Lithium

Lithium Latest News

A recent study published in Science Advances by Duke University has uncovered distinctive geochemical properties of lithium-rich brines found in salt pans (salars) in South America and Asia.

About Lithium

• Lithium is a lightweight, silvery-white alkali metal with the lowest density among metals.
• It reacts vigorously with water and makes alloys with aluminium and magnesium, enhancing material strength and reducing weight—ideal for aerospace and battery technologies.
• Lithium, also known as “white gold”, is a critical mineral essential for the renewable energy sector, especially in the production of electric vehicle (EV) batteries and energy storage systems.
• Around 40% of global lithium supply is derived from evaporative brine mining in salt flats (salars) of the central Andes (Chile, Argentina, Bolivia—“Lithium Triangle”) and the Tibetan Plateau.

Key Findings

• The study focused on Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia, the world’s largest lithium brine reserve, located in a high-altitude arid region.
• It was found that, unlike seawater, where carbonate molecules dominate pH regulation, the pH of these brines is controlled almost entirely by boron compounds.
• Boron, present in the form of boric acid and borates, was found to determine the pH and alkalinity of natural brines.
• During brine evaporation in mining ponds:
  • The concentration of boron increases.
  • Boric acid breaks down, releasing hydrogen ions, which lowers the pH and makes the brine highly acidic.

Lithium FAQs

Q1: What is Lithium?
Ans: Lithium is a soft, silvery-white alkali metal used mainly in rechargeable batteries for electric vehicles and electronics.

Q2: Why is Lithium called a critical mineral?

Ans: It is termed a critical mineral due to its strategic importance, limited global supply, and growing demand in green energy technologies.

Source: PHY