Electrical and Instrumentation

Lithium’s Rise: From Obscurity to Strategic MetalFor most of human history, lithium was a relatively irrelevant metallic compound with little practical applications. This started to change with the invention by John Goodenough and others of the lithium-ion battery, a work rewarded by the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2019, which we detailed in a dedicated report .The technology allowed for the explosion in small portable electronics, from the initial Walkman to today's omnipresent smartphones, laptops, and tablets.But it is with the emergence of EVs that lithium-ion batteries moved from important technology to world-changing technology. Only lithium-ion had the energy density required to give a commercially viable range to EVs.Because an EV consumes as many batteries as hundreds or thousands of electronic devices, the electrification of transportation has made all the battery production before the EV revolution took off in the mid-2010s look like a footnote of history in comparison.Today, lithium-ion technology is being challenged by many alternative chemistries that could deliver even better performances: quicker charge, higher energy density, more durability, etc.But while some of these options try to bypass lithium entirely, like sodium-ion batteries , many of these alternatives are as dependent on lithium supply as lithium-ion batteries: ultra-durable solid-state lithium metal batteries , laser-printed lithium-sulfur batteries , lithium-CO₂ batter ies, lithium-indium batteries , cold-resistant lithium-ion batteries , graphene lithium-ion batteries , etc.So ultimately, even if each potential battery chemistry has its own set of advantages and weaknesses, lithium is still a key component for high energy density batteries.For investors willing to bet on electrification, renewable energies, and a fossil-fuel-free future, besides other “green” metals like copper and aluminum (follow the links for a dedicated investment report on each), investing in lithium can be a way to do so without having to guess which exact battery chemistry will win in the end.Why Lithium Offers Unmatched Battery PerformanceThe reason why lithium is so popular among battery researchers is due to its unique electrochemical properties.Lithium was first discovered in 1817 by Swedish chemists. It is the lightest solid element, with the atomic number 3 (only 3 protons in its nucleus).Lithium atoms' small size means that they have only one electron on their outer charge, and when this electron moves to another atom, this gives them an enormous electric potential change per atom.So while other elements might be easier to work with, or cheaper, lithium is the go-to atom to use for high-performance and high energy density in batteries.The Global Lithium Market & Major ProducersWhere Is Lithium Produced? Top Global ProducersThe global lithium market is valued at approximately $ 37.4B in 202 4 and is projected to reach $ 164B by 203 3.In 2024, 2/3rd of lithium production came from ore mining, in large part from spodumene deposits in Australia, the world's largest producer. This is also the type of lithium production that is predominant in China.Another 1/3rd come from brines, mineral-rich waters generally found underground. The largest producers of this type of lithium are the so-called “Lithium Triangle”: Bolivia, Argentina, and Chile.However, the largest proven reserves of lithium are located in the lithium triangle, giving the region the largest potential for future production growth

CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Albemarle Corporation (NYSE: ALB), a global leader in providing essential elements for mobility, energy, connectivity and health, today announced its results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025. First-Quarter 2025 and Recent Highlights(Unless otherwise stated, all percentage changes represent year-over-year comparisons) Net sales of $1.1 billion, with double-digit volume growth in Specialties (+11%) and record Energy Storage lithium salt production from the company's integrated conversion network. Net income of $41 million, or ($0.00) per diluted share attributable to common shareholders; adjusted diluted loss per share attributable to common shareholders of ($0.18)