Lithium: Properties, Reserves, Uses & Significance

Context (PIB): India Signs Agreement for Lithium Exploration & Mining Project in Argentina.

Lithium

Lithium is a non-ferrous, soft, silvery-white alkali metal. It is also called ‘white gold’ due to its high demand for rechargeable batteries.
Under standard conditions, it is the least dense metal and the least dense solid element.
Like all alkali metals, it is highly reactive and flammable, so it must be stored in a vacuum, inert atmosphere, or inert liquid (such as purified kerosene or mineral oil).
It has the lowest melting points of all metals and a high boiling point.
It exhibits a metallic lustre. But it corrodes quickly in the air to a dull silvery grey, then black tarnish.

It never occurs freely in nature but occurs mainly as pegmatitic minerals.
Due to its solubility as an ion, it is present in ocean water and commonly obtained from brines (high-concentration salt solution in water).
Lithium metal is isolated electrolytically from a mixture of lithium chloride and potassium chloride.

Pegmatite is a coarse-textured igneous rock that forms during the final stage of magma’s crystallisation. It contains large crystals and minerals rarely found in other types of rocks.

Countries with largest reserves: 1st Bolivia > 2nd Argentina > 3rd Chile > 4^th US > Australia > China.
54% of the world’s lithium reserves are in three South American countries: Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile. The area is referred to as the ‘Lithium Triangle’.
Top Producers: 1st Australia > 2nd Chile > 3rd China > 4^th Aregentina > 5^th

Lithium reserves were found in Karnataka’s Mandya and J&K’s Reasi districts.
Potential sites are:
- Mica belts of Rajasthan, Bihar, and Andhra Pradesh
- Pegmatite belts of Odisha and Chhattisgarh
- Rann of Kutch (Gujarat)

Identified as critical and strategic minerals under Mines and Mineral (Development and Regulation) (Amendment) Act 2023.

Lithium-ion batteries are used in laptops, mobiles, electric vehicles, wind turbines, solar panels, etc.
It is used to make alloys with aluminium and magnesium, which are stronger but lighter.
It is used in thermonuclear reactions, the ceramics and glass industry, and lubricating greases.
It is also used for carbon dioxide removal and air purification (especially in confined areas, such as spacecraft and submarines).

The discovery of lithium is significant because it is a critical mineral.
Critical minerals are essential for economic development and national security.
The lack of availability of these minerals or the concentration of extraction or processing in a few geographical locations can lead to “supply chain vulnerabilities and even disruption of supplies”.
A mineral is critical when the risk of supply shortage and associated economic impact is (relatively) higher than other raw materials.

Water usage: Extraction processes require significant amounts of water. This can lead to the depletion of local water resources, significantly harming water-scarce regions.
Chemical use: Lithium extraction often involves chemicals, like acids and solvents, which can harm workers’ health and the environment.
Energy intensive: The intensive energy consumption associated with the production contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. This can exacerbate the environmental footprint of electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy storage systems.
Biodiversity loss: Lithium extraction requires large areas of land, which will displace wildlife and even endanger their survival.
Social and human rights concerns: Land acquired for extraction can displace indigenous peoples or negatively impact local livelihoods.
Supply chain vulnerability: A significant portion of global production comes from a few countries, such as Australia, China, & Chile. This concentration of supply can create geopolitical risks & market vulnerabilities, particularly as demand for lithium grows for EVs and energy storage.
Resource depletion: Concerns are raised about the long-term sustainability of lithium resources.