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Mining

Lithium supply chain

Brine vs hard-rock routes, conversion bottlenecks, and the battery-grade refining race.

⚠ Brine concentration & hydroxide conversion

Key chokepoints

  • Lithium brine extractionMining

    Chile, Argentina, and Bolivia hold the majority of low-cost brine resources; permitting and water rights constrain expansion.

    Related tickers: SQM, ALB

  • Direct lithium extraction (DLE)Processing

    Commercial DLE capacity remains limited; reagent and resin supply is concentrated.

  • Lithium hydroxide conversionRefining

    China dominates spodumene conversion; Western refinery build-out lags mine supply.

  • Water & renewable powerUtilities

    Arid salars face community and regulatory pressure on water use.

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