Global Lithium Mining Landscape: Exploring the World's Top Four Reserve Holders

The global demand for lithium continues its upward trajectory, driven by the rapid expansion of electric vehicle production and energy storage systems. As the battery metal becomes increasingly critical for the transition to clean energy, understanding where the world’s largest lithium reserves are located provides crucial insight into the future dynamics of the industry.

According to recent data from the US Geological Survey, total worldwide lithium reserves reach approximately 30 million metric tons. Among these reserves, four nations dominate the global landscape, collectively controlling a substantial portion of the world’s extractable lithium supply.

The Lithium Triangle’s Strategic Importance

Before examining individual countries, it’s worth noting that the “Lithium Triangle” — comprising Chile, Argentina, and Bolivia — houses more than half of the planet’s lithium reserves. This geographic concentration underscores the geopolitical importance of South America in the battery metal sector, particularly as lithium demand accelerates.

Chile: The Lithium Reserve Powerhouse

Lithium reserves: 9.3 million metric tons

Chile stands as the undisputed leader in lithium reserves, holding 9.3 million metric tons. The Salar de Atacama region alone accounts for approximately one-third of the world’s lithium reserve base, earning the nation a position as home to most of the world’s “economically extractable” lithium resources.

In 2024, Chile produced 44,000 metric tons of lithium, positioning it as the second-largest producer globally. Major lithium mining operations in the country are operated by SQM and Albemarle, both with significant presence in the Atacama salt flat.

Recent developments suggest a shift in the country’s mineral strategy. The Chilean government has pursued partial nationalization of the lithium industry, with state-owned Codelco negotiating for controlling interests in key lithium mining assets. In early 2025, the government received seven bids for lithium operation contracts across six salt flats, with winners to be announced in March 2025.

Australia: The Hardrock Alternative

Lithium reserves: 7 million metric tons

Australia’s lithium reserves amount to 7 million metric tons, with the majority concentrated in Western Australia. Unlike Chile and Argentina’s brine-based deposits, Australian lithium primarily exists as hardrock spodumene, requiring different extraction techniques.

Despite holding fewer reserves than Chile, Australia surpassed all nations in lithium production during 2024, leveraging its extensive operational lithium mines and established infrastructure. The Greenbushes mine, jointly operated by Talison Lithium (a partnership involving Tianqi Lithium and Albemarle), stands as a cornerstone of the country’s production capacity, having operated continuously since 1985.

Recent research has identified untapped potential beyond Western Australia’s established mining regions. A 2023 study published in “Earth System Science Data” mapped regions with elevated lithium density in Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria, signaling opportunities for future lithium mine development and expansion.

Argentina: The Emerging Producer

Lithium reserves: 4 million metric tons

Argentina ranks third globally with 4 million metric tons of lithium reserves, and as the fourth-largest lithium producer, the nation generated 18,000 metric tons in 2024. The country’s position within the Lithium Triangle provides substantial growth potential.

The Argentine government has actively pursued industry expansion, committing up to $4.2 billion in investment over multiple years. Recent approvals include Argosy Minerals’ expansion at the Rincon salar, which aims to increase annual lithium carbonate production from 2,000 to 12,000 metric tons. Additionally, Rio Tinto announced plans to invest $2.5 billion to expand its Rincon salar operations, boosting capacity from 3,000 to 60,000 metric tons.

The country currently hosts approximately 50 advanced lithium mining projects, positioning Argentina as a critical growth engine for global lithium supply.

China: The Processing Powerhouse

Lithium reserves: 3 million metric tons

China maintains lithium reserves of 3 million metric tons, comprising a mix of brine and hardrock deposits. The nation produced 41,000 metric tons in 2024, representing a 5,300-metric-ton increase year-over-year.

What distinguishes China’s role in the global lithium market extends beyond mere production volumes. The country manufactures the majority of the world’s lithium-ion batteries and operates most of the planet’s lithium-processing facilities, making it the central node in the battery supply chain.

Recent reports from Chinese media indicate a significant expansion of national lithium ore reserves. Authorities claim that identified deposits now represent 16.5 percent of global resources, up from 6 percent previously. This surge stems partly from the discovery of a 2,800-kilometer lithium belt in western regions, with proven reserves exceeding 6.5 million tons of lithium ore.

Secondary Lithium Reserves: A Global Overview

Beyond the four largest reserve holders, numerous other nations contribute meaningfully to global lithium supply:

• United States: 1.8 million metric tons
• Canada: 1.2 million metric tons
• Zimbabwe: 480,000 metric tons
• Brazil: 390,000 metric tons
• Portugal: 60,000 metric tons (Europe’s largest)

Future Outlook: Demand and Production Dynamics

Lithium-ion battery demand is poised for substantial growth through 2025 and beyond. Industry forecasts predict that both electric vehicle and energy storage system-related lithium demand will increase by over 30 percent year-on-year in 2025.

This demand surge will likely drive continued investment in lithium mining operations and exploration across multiple regions. As production follows demand trajectories, nations with substantial reserves — whether established producers or emerging players — stand to capture increasing economic value from the battery metal sector.

The competitive landscape continues to intensify, with reserve holders strategizing to maximize their market position in an industry undergoing rapid transformation.