In 1817, Swedish chemist Johann August Arfudson conducted
His tests on some metals, to discover the existence of a new metal called "lithium", which is one of the lightest metals on earth.
Lithium is distinguished by its silver color and can transfer heat and electricity. Some call it the new oil. Analysts expect it to have a future full of accelerated demand, especially with the focus on electric cars, and the world's quest to switch to clean energy with zero carbon emissions.
However, lithium remained unexploited for more than 170 years, but in 1991, Sony succeeded in manufacturing lithium-ion batteries that extended the life of its batteries used in video cameras, and with the development of technology in the 21st century, interest in lithium increased as an essential element in the battery industry, for its distinction. Stores energy for long periods.
The battery industry comes at the forefront of lithium uses, with a percentage of 46%. Lithium is used in the manufacture of electric car batteries, smart phones, laptops, digital cameras, as well as electricity storage batteries from wind and solar energy.
Although less than 1% of cars around the world run on electricity, these cars account for half of the world's lithium-ion battery supply.
The electric car market is expected to double by 2030, which means more demand for lithium batteries, as projections indicate that the market for these batteries around the world will grow from $30 billion in 2017 to more than $100 billion by 2025.
Lithium is also used in the manufacture of glass and ceramics, as well as in the manufacture of medicines, industrial greases, fireworks, air treatment and purification, and nuclear energy.
Studies indicate that the lithium market is witnessing an annual growth of about 10% during the period from 2021 to 2026.
But where is the lithium found?
Lithium metal can be found in rock deposits or in salt lakes, but it is mixed with other metals.
What countries have lithium reserves?
Chile ranks first as the world's largest country with 9.2 million metric tons of lithium reserves, followed by Australia with 3.8 million metric tons, Argentina with 2.2 million metric tons, and China with 1.5 million metric tons.
There are other countries with less lithium reserves, such as the United States at 750,000 metric tons, Zimbabwe with 220,000 metric tons, Brazil with 95,000 metric tons and Portugal with 60,000 metric tons.
0 Comments