Who Are the Biggest Lithium Producers in 2025?

Part 1. What is lithium and why is it so valuable?

Lithium has quickly become one of the most critical raw materials of the 21st century. Although it is the lightest solid metal, it carries immense importance in today’s technology-driven world. Its ability to store and release energy efficiently makes it a cornerstone of modern rechargeable batteries.

From smartphones and laptops to power tools and backup energy storage systems, lithium batteries are everywhere. Demand is growing rapidly as industries shift toward cleaner energy and portable electronics. For this reason, knowing who the largest lithium producers are provides valuable insights into global supply, pricing, and market dynamics.

Lithium is extracted in two main ways: from hard-rock deposits such as spodumene, and from brine sources in salt flats. Each method has advantages and challenges, and different countries specialize in different types of production.

Part 2. Global lithium production by country

Lithium production is highly concentrated, with just a handful of countries dominating the market.

• Australia leads the world in hard-rock mining, producing nearly half of the global supply. Its rich spodumene deposits make it the top exporter of lithium raw materials.
• Chile follows as a major player, benefiting from its brine-rich Atacama Desert, which is one of the largest lithium reserves on Earth.
• China is not only a leading producer but also the dominant force in refining and processing lithium into battery-grade chemicals.
• Argentina continues to scale up production and plays a key role in the so-called “Lithium Triangle.”
• Zimbabwe has also emerged as a surprising new producer, ramping up its output in recent years.

Together, these countries account for the overwhelming majority of global lithium output. Smaller producers such as Brazil, Canada, and Portugal contribute as well, but on a much smaller scale.

Part 3. Largest lithium producers by company

Although production is geographically concentrated, the market is largely controlled by a few powerful corporations.

• Albemarle (United States) operates mines and processing plants worldwide, including partnerships in Australia and Chile. It is consistently one of the largest suppliers of lithium compounds.
• SQM (Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile) is a global leader in brine extraction, producing large quantities of lithium carbonate and hydroxide.
• Tianqi Lithium (China) holds significant stakes in Australian mines and operates major processing plants.
• Ganfeng Lithium (China) is highly integrated, covering mining, refining, and even recycling. It supplies a wide range of lithium products to global battery makers.
• Pilbara Minerals (Australia) has become a fast-growing player thanks to its rich spodumene reserves.
• Mineral Resources (Australia) is another major name, especially in spodumene concentrate production.

These companies not only mine lithium but also increasingly control refining and downstream supply chains. Market concentration gives them significant influence over global pricing and long-term contracts with manufacturers.

Part 4. Top lithium mining companies in australia

Australia has become the epicenter of lithium mining due to its abundant hard-rock deposits. Several companies stand out:

• Pilbara Minerals, with its Pilgangoora project, is one of the world’s largest independent lithium miners.
• Mineral Resources operates the Wodgina mine, one of the richest hard-rock lithium sites.
• Albemarle and Tianqi Lithium jointly own the Greenbushes mine, which is widely considered the most productive spodumene deposit on Earth.

Australia’s political stability, advanced mining infrastructure, and proximity to Asian markets make it a highly competitive supplier. This explains why the country continues to lead in raw lithium exports, even as demand soars worldwide.

Part 5. Lithium production in south america’s “lithium triangle”

South America is home to vast salt flats that contain some of the world’s richest brine resources. This region, known as the Lithium Triangle, spans Chile, Argentina, and Bolivia.

• Chile has long been the global benchmark for brine extraction, with its Salar de Atacama producing high-purity lithium carbonate and hydroxide.
• Argentina has significantly expanded production in recent years, making it one of the top emerging players.
• Bolivia holds enormous reserves but has struggled to commercialize them due to technical and political challenges.

Together, the Lithium Triangle holds more than half of the world’s known lithium resources, making it a critical region for the future supply chain.

Part 6. China’s role as a lithium powerhouse

China is both a major producer and the world’s refining hub. While its raw mining output is not as high as Australia’s, it has unmatched capabilities in processing and value-added production.

Chinese companies such as Ganfeng and Tianqi have invested heavily in overseas mines, securing a steady flow of raw materials. Domestically, China leads in refining lithium carbonate and hydroxide, ensuring a dominant position in the midstream of the supply chain.

In addition, China’s battery manufacturing industry is the largest in the world, meaning much of the lithium mined globally eventually flows into Chinese factories for processing into battery cells.

Part 7. Ufine Battery: providing custom lithium battery solutions

While mining companies supply the raw material, manufacturers like Ufine Battery play an essential role in transforming lithium into practical energy solutions.

Based in China, Ufine Battery specializes in custom lithium batteries for the consumer market. The company produces a wide range of products, including:

• Lithium polymer batteries
• LiFePO₄ batteries
• 18650 batteries
• Cylindrical batteries in multiple formats
• Ultra-thin and high-rate batteries
• Batteries designed for extreme high- and low-temperature environments

What sets Ufine apart is its ability to customize. Clients can specify the size, voltage, capacity, and discharge rate to fit unique applications—whether in consumer electronics, medical devices, industrial equipment, or energy storage systems.

If you are looking for a reliable partner to design and manufacture custom lithium batteries, contact Ufine Battery today to discuss your project requirements.

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Part 8. United States and Canada: emerging lithium producers

North America is still a small player in terms of lithium output, but its role is set to grow.

• In the United States, Nevada’s Thacker Pass project has the potential to become one of the largest lithium mines in the world once it is fully operational.
• The Smackover Formation in Arkansas is another promising area, where companies are experimenting with Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE), a new technology that could revolutionize supply.
• Canada has several exploration projects underway, especially in Quebec and Ontario, aiming to develop a secure North American supply chain.

Government incentives in both countries are designed to reduce reliance on foreign imports and strengthen local battery production.

Part 9. Lithium refining vs. mining: who controls the supply chain?

It’s important to distinguish between mining and refining. Mining extracts raw spodumene or brine, while refining converts these materials into battery-grade lithium carbonate or hydroxide.

Most mining is spread across Australia, South America, and Africa, but refining is dominated by China. This creates a supply bottleneck: even if countries mine lithium, they often still rely on Chinese facilities for conversion.

To address this imbalance, new refining plants are being built in the United States, Australia, and Europe. Still, China currently holds the strongest position in midstream processing, giving it significant influence over global supply chains.

Part 10. Lithium market growth forecast (2025–2035)

The global lithium market is set for extraordinary growth over the next decade. Demand has already more than tripled in just a few years and is projected to continue rising steeply.

By 2030, analysts expect global demand to exceed three million metric tons annually. The primary driver will be the exponential growth of battery storage—both for consumer electronics and for renewable energy storage systems.

This rapid expansion raises questions about supply security, price stability, and the ability of mining companies to scale production fast enough. Many experts believe that new technologies such as DLE will play a key role in meeting future demand.

Part 11. Environmental and ethical concerns in lithium mining

Lithium mining is not without challenges. Brine extraction can use vast amounts of water, often in fragile ecosystems. Hard-rock mining requires significant energy and leaves environmental footprints.

There are also social issues to consider, such as indigenous land rights and equitable distribution of benefits. With growing attention on sustainability, major producers are under pressure to reduce environmental impacts and improve transparency.

Some companies are experimenting with greener extraction methods, including DLE, which promises to extract lithium more efficiently while using less water. Consumers and manufacturers alike are increasingly demanding responsibly sourced materials, making this a key issue for the industry’s future.

Part 12. Conclusion: which company will stay the world’s largest lithium producer?

At present, Australia leads in raw production, Chile dominates brine reserves, and China controls refining. Companies such as Albemarle, SQM, Ganfeng, and Tianqi are the undisputed giants of the industry.

However, the landscape is shifting. Argentina is scaling production, Zimbabwe is emerging as a strong new player, and the United States and Canada are determined to develop domestic supply chains. Meanwhile, new refining technologies could disrupt China’s dominance over processing.

The race for lithium is more than just about mining—it is about who controls the entire value chain, from extraction to refining to battery manufacturing. In the years ahead, the balance of power may shift, but one thing is certain: lithium will remain the “white gold” of the global energy transition.