Global Overview of the Lithium Market and Opportunities for Chile

Mauricio Mura, Ignacio Castillo, David Torres, Felipe M. Galleguillos Madrid, Edelmira Gálvez, Sandra Gallegos, Jonathan Castillo, Marinka Varas, Ingrid Jamett and Norman Toro ()
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Mauricio Mura: Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Universidad Arturo Prat, Iquique 1110939, Chile
Ignacio Castillo: Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Universidad Arturo Prat, Iquique 1110939, Chile
David Torres: Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Universidad Arturo Prat, Iquique 1110939, Chile
Felipe M. Galleguillos Madrid: Centro de Desarrollo Energético Antofagasta, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta 1240000, Chile
Edelmira Gálvez: Departamento de Ingeniería Metalúrgica y Minas, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta 1270709, Chile
Sandra Gallegos: Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Universidad Arturo Prat, Iquique 1110939, Chile
Jonathan Castillo: Departamento de Ingeniería en Metalurgia, Universidad de Atacama, Copiapó 1531772, Chile
Marinka Varas: Departamento de Ingeniería Industrial, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta 1240000, Chile
Ingrid Jamett: Departamento de Ingeniería Industrial, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta 1240000, Chile
Norman Toro: Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Universidad Arturo Prat, Iquique 1110939, Chile

Resources, 2025, vol. 14, issue 2, 1-10

Abstract: Lithium is a metal with a highly promising outlook for future global demand. Its industrial processing relies on two primary methods: production from brines through solar evaporation ponds and production from rock sources via flotation, roasting, and subsequent leaching. Chile is currently the world’s second-largest producer of lithium, surpassed only by Australia. However, Chile’s lithium production process is significantly advantaged by the exceptionally high lithium concentration in the Salar de Atacama—the highest in the world—and the region’s high solar radiation, which enables the most cost-effective solar evaporation process globally. Despite these comparative advantages, Chile’s lithium production has stagnated in recent years. This stagnation can be attributed to the need for more flexible legislation surrounding the lithium industry or an increase in the number of CEOLs (Lithium Exploitation Contracts) to regain its position as the leading global producer of lithium. Furthermore, increased investment in national universities and research centers is essential to foster the development and implementation of new, clean technologies for future projects. By addressing these challenges, Chile has the potential to solidify its role as a key player in the global lithium market while promoting sustainable industrial practices.

Keywords: lithium; brines process; new lithium technologies (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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