The lithium mining competition heats up: a major reshuffle of global reserves.

The global lithium mine reserves reach 30 million tons, but only these 4 countries have real influence.

First Tier - South American Duo

• 🇨🇱 Chile: 9.3 million tons (the largest in the world), controlling the vast majority of the world's “economically recoverable” lithium mines. Production in 2024 is expected to be 44,000 tons, but is constrained by strict mining regulations, resulting in a decline in market share.
• 🇦🇷 Argentina: 4 million tons, the fastest growth. In 2024, Rio Tinto's $2.5 billion investment for capacity expansion was just approved, with production capacity set to increase from 3,000 tons to 60,000 tons (full production by 2028).

Second Tier - Hard Rock Faction Representative

• 🇦🇺 Australia: 7 million tons (hard rock mining), expected to surpass Chile in 2024 to become the largest producer in the world.
• 🇨🇳 China: 3 million tons, but the key action is the latest discovery of a 2800km lithium mineral belt, with official announcements stating that reserves have increased by 2.7 times to 16.5% of the global total.

Core Highlights:

• Lithium battery demand is expected to grow by over 30% in 2025.
• The United States sues China for “dumping lithium ore at low prices,” escalating the market protection war.
• Chilean state-owned enterprises are competing for control of SQM and Albemarle, with new bidding results to be announced in March.

Investment Insight: The lithium supply chain is shifting from “technology-driven” to “geopolitical”; whoever controls the reserves has the say.