Global Lithium Flow 1994-2015: Implications for Improving Resource Efficiency and Security.

Area of Science:

• * Materials Science and Engineering
• * Resource Management and Economics
• * Environmental Science and Policy

Background:

• * Lithium is critical for clean energy technologies, driving increased global demand.
• * Understanding lithium's flow is essential for resource efficiency and security.
• * Previous analyses have not fully captured the trade-linked material flows across the entire technological life cycle.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To establish a long-term, trade-linked material flow analysis framework for lithium.
• * To analyze lithium flow throughout its technological life cycle and across national boundaries (1994-2015).
• * To identify opportunities for improving lithium resource efficiency and security.

Main Methods:

• * Development of a comprehensive material flow analysis (MFA) framework.
• * Integration of trade data to track lithium across international borders.
• * Analysis of lithium from production to end-of-life, including in-use stock assessment.

Main Results:

• * Rapid growth in global lithium production and consumption from 1994 to 2015.
• * Establishment of a robust international lithium trade network involving key players like the US, China, EU, Chile, and Australia.
• * Global in-use lithium stock reached 29 kilotons in 2015, with significant amounts in ceramics, glass, and batteries.

Conclusions:

• * The substantial lithium stock in batteries presents a major opportunity for secondary recovery and resource circularity.
• * Intensive international trade necessitates enhanced global cooperation on lithium waste management.
• * Countries heavily reliant on lithium imports face a high risk of shortage, suggesting domestic reserve establishment as a potential strategy.