
- AustraliaNorth AmericaWorld
Investing News NetworkYour trusted source for investing success
Resource
Popular Lists
Investing Ideas
Outlook Reports
- Lithium Outlook
- Oil and Gas Outlook
- Gold Outlook Report
- Uranium Outlook
- Rare Earths Outlook
- All Outlook Reports
Investing Guides
Tech
Popular Lists
- Top Generative AI Stocks
- Top EV Stocks
- Biggest AI Companies
- Biggest Blockchain Stocks
- Biggest Cryptocurrency-mining Stocks
- Biggest Cybersecurity Companies
- Biggest Robotics Companies
- Biggest Social Media Companies
- Biggest Technology ETFs
- Artificial Intellgience ETFs
- Robotics ETFs
- Canadian Cryptocurrency ETFs
Investing Ideas
Outlook Reports
- Artificial Intelligence Outlook
- EV Outlook
- Cleantech Outlook
- Crypto Outlook
- Tech Outlook
- All Market Outlook Reports
Investing Guides
Life Science
Popular Lists
- Cannabis Weekly Round-Up
- Top Alzheimer's Treatment Stocks
- Top Biotech Stocks
- Top Plant-based Food Stocks
- Biggest Cannabis Stocks
- Biggest Pharma Stocks
- Longevity Stocks to Watch
- Psychedelics Stocks to Watch
- Top Cobalt Stocks
- Small Biotech ETFs to Watch
- Top Life Science ETFs
- Biggest Pharmaceutical ETFs
Outlook Reports
- Life Science Outlook
- Biotech Outlook
- Cannabis Outlook
- Pharma Outlook
- Psychedelics Outlook
- All Market Outlook Reports
Investing Guides
December 02, 2024
Libra Lithium Corp. ("Libra" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into an earn-in agreement (the "EIA") with a wholly-owned Canadian subsidiary of KoBold Metals Company ("KoBold") to jointly explore the Company's Flanders South, Flanders North and Soules Bay-Caron ("SBC") lithium projects in Ontario, Canada (collectively, the "Earn-In Properties"). Pursuant to the EIA, KoBold will have the option to earn a 75% interest in the Earn-In Properties by incurring up to CAD$33M in exploration expenditures over six years.
KoBold Metals Company is a US-based exploration and mining company that combines expertise in geosciences with artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science to improve and accelerate the exploration process in search for the critical minerals necessary for the global energy transition.
Libra further announces that the Company and PowerStone Metals Corp. (CSE: PS) ("PowerStone" or "ShellCo") have entered into a non-binding letter of intent dated December 2, 2024 (the "LOI") in respect of a proposed business combination (the "RTO") that would result in the reverse takeover of ShellCo by Libra. The completion of the RTO will be subject to, among other things, the common shares ("Resulting Issuer Shares") of the resulting entity (the "Resulting Issuer") being listed on the Canada Securities Exchange (the "CSE") and the Resulting Issuer fulfilling all of the applicable regulatory and listing requirements. Following the completion of the RTO, the Company is expected to become a wholly-owned subsidiary of ShellCo or otherwise combine its corporate existence with that of ShellCo to form the Resulting Issuer, which will hold all the assets and projects and continue the business of Libra.
"Our team pulled through, coming out on top from what has been a challenging lithium market over the past two years. In Fall 2023 we made our first spodumene discovery, sampling up to 2.86% Li2O within a 35m-wide pegmatite at Flanders South. Fast forward to Summer 2024, and we had discovered a new pegmatite field in the span of less than two weeks at SBC, with 18 spodumene outcrops, pegmatites up to 30m wide, samples up to 6.64% Li2O, and spodumene crystals up to 0.4m long. With limited capital, we were able to build a company with a large portfolio of lithium assets and discover lithium mineralization on three grassroots projects in under a year. We have proven our ability to systematically screen through ground and be cost-efficient, and with the market nearing a bottom, we see tremendous opportunity to be counter-cyclical. The KoBold earn-in agreement and contemplated go-public transaction with PowerStone will create a well-financed, publicly traded entity, backed by an astute shareholder base of long-term believers in the green energy transition" said Koby Kushner, CEO of Libra.
"We are excited to enter into this earn-in agreement with Libra and are looking forward to exploring the Flanders South, Flanders North, and SBC projects. The three projects are compelling, and we are eager to follow up on the encouraging data that Libra has collected to date. Furthermore, we believe that combining Libra's capable team with KoBold's experienced explorationists and exploration technology will set us up for success. We look forward to working with Libra" said Daniel Enderton, Chief Strategy Officer at KoBold Metals.
KoBold Earn-In Agreement
Libra has executed an EIA with KoBold, dated November 13, 2024, to explore the Earn-In Properties. Pursuant to the EIA KoBold has the option to earn a 75% interest in each of the Earn-In Properties by incurring up to CAD$33,000,000 in cumulative exploration expenditures across the Earn-In Properties over six years.
During the earn-in period, KoBold shall be responsible for expenses and maintenance of the claims subject to the terms of the EIA. Further, KoBold and Libra shall form a technical committee, with two members from each party, to regularly review progress and findings of exploration programs and determine next steps, with KoBold reserving final discretion over the exploration programs.
Payment and Expenditure Schedule
To meet the 75% earn-in thresholds for the Earn-In Properties, KoBold must complete the following:
- Initial Cash Payment to Libra (completed) - CAD$445,000 within 14 days of the effective date of the EIA as reimbursement of exploration expenditures for work completed before the EIA was finalized;
- Year 1 Anniversary - completion of cumulative exploration expenditures of CAD$750,000, which is a firm commitment and may be allocated across any of the Earn-In Properties;
- Year 3 Anniversary - completion of cumulative exploration expenditures of up to CAD$11,000,000 to earn a 51% interest on a project-by-project basis ("Stage 1"); and
- Year 6 Anniversary - completion of cumulative exploration expenditures of up to CAD$33,000,000 to earn a 75% interest on a project-by-project basis ("Stage 2").
The Stage 1 and Stage 2 earn-in thresholds vary by project, as shown in the table below:
Furthermore, KoBold has retained Libra as an exploration contractor for a period ending on the earlier of two years from the effective date of the EIA, or the date on which the EIA is terminated with respect to the SBC project. In exchange for exploration services, KoBold will pay Libra a monthly cash fee of CAD$35,000.
KoBold shall also pay to Libra the following milestone payments with respect to each of the Flanders South and Flanders North projects:
Milestone | Milestone Payment (CAD$) |
Inferred Resource of at least 100,000 tons of lithium oxide | $250,000 |
Pre-Feasibility Study | $500,000 |
Feasibility Study | $750,000 |
First Ore Production | $1,000,000 |
Formation of Joint Venture Company
Upon KoBold achieving a Stage 1 cumulative earn-in threshold, the parties shall form a joint venture for the applicable project pursuant to which KoBold shall initially own 51% and Libra 49% (the "Kobra JV"). Upon KoBold achieving the Stage 2 cumulative earn-in threshold, KoBold's ownership interest in the Kobra JV shall increase to 75%. After the earn-in period, each party will be responsible for funding its pro-rata share of project costs or will be diluted; a party that gets diluted below 10% shall have its interest converted to a 1% net smelter return (NSR) royalty. The Kobra JV shall be governed by a board of directors ("Board"), initially composed of two members appointed by KoBold and two members appointed by Libra. The Board shall appoint a manager of the daily affairs of Kobra JV, with KoBold as the initial manager.
Flanders South, Flanders North and SBC Highlights
Figure 1: Libra's project portfolio, showing projects under the KoBold EIA.
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9331/232089_184358fda458d996_001full.jpg
Flanders South and Flanders North
- District-scale position in the Quetico Subprovince, spanning over 50,000 hectares;
- Limited historical exploration, with zero historical work assessment reports prior to Libra;
- Located ~230km west of Thunder Bay, near Atikokan, a former mining town;
- Easily accessible, with a network of logging roads and the Flanders all-season road off Highway 11;
- Libra's first-pass exploration program in 2023 included LIDAR surveys and prospecting, resulting in new discoveries:
- Hundreds of LCT pegmatites, with surface exposures up to 200m wide (Flanders North);
- The Homer spodumene-bearing pegmatite, up to 35m-wide, at least 160m long, with grab sample assays up to 2.86% Li2O (Flanders South);
- Homer lies adjacent to pegmatite outcrops with similar geochemistry, showing potential for a stacked pegmatite system; and
- Homer occurs within a 6.5km-long structural corridor of highly anomalous pegmatites.
- The Nelson tantalite-bearing pegmatite, with grab samples up to 4,469 ppm Ta2O5 (Flanders South).
Figure 2: Map of Flanders South and Flanders North (right); map over Homer spodumene pegmatite (left).
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9331/232089_184358fda458d996_002full.jpg
SBC
- Spanning 15,570 hectares, SBC covers a newly discovered lithium district abundant with spodumene pegmatite outcrops;
- Located south of Pickle Lake, a historic gold mining town equipped with board accommodation and an airport, SBC boasts easy access via paved highway and nearby infrastructure including rail at Savant Lake;
- In 2024, Libra conducted a LIDAR survey and 12-day, helicopter-supported prospecting program, and within that timeframe discovered:
- 18 spodumene-bearing pegmatite outcrops over a 12km trend;
- Apparent stacking of spodumene pegmatites, closely spaced;
- Individual spodumene-bearing pegmatites up to 30m wide at surface; and
- Coarse-grained spodumene crystals, up to 0.4m long, returning up to 6.64% Li2O in grab samples.
- To date, only approximately 2% of SBC has been explored.
Figure 3: Map over SBC project showing spodumene showings (right); photograph of pale, coarse-grained, spodumene crystals (top-left).
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9331/232089_184358fda458d996_003full.jpg
Summary of the RTO
It is contemplated that the RTO will proceed by way of three-cornered amalgamation pursuant to which a wholly owned subsidiary of ShellCo will acquire Libra in exchange for ShellCo shares (the "Acquisition"). Upon completion of the RTO, it is anticipated that the Resulting Issuer will be listed as a mining issuer on the CSE, with Libra as its primary operating subsidiary. The business of the Resulting Issuer will be primarily focused on advancing the Company's existing project portfolio, including the Flanders South, Flanders North and SBC projects which are subject to the KoBold EIA, and the evaluation and acquisition of additional grassroots lithium exploration assets.
The completion of the RTO is subject to a number of terms and conditions, including and without limitation, the negotiation and execution of a definitive agreement in respect of the RTO (the "Definitive Agreement"), there being no material adverse changes in respect of either ShellCo or Libra, the parties obtaining all necessary consents, orders, regulatory, court and shareholder approvals, including the conditional approval of the CSE, satisfactory completion of due diligence by both parties and other standard conditions of closing for a transaction in the nature of the RTO. There can be no assurance that all of the necessary regulatory and shareholder approvals will be obtained or that all conditions of closing will be met.
Proposed Management and Directors of Resulting Issuer
The following sets out the names and backgrounds of certain persons who are expected to be officers and directors of the Resulting Issuer.
Koby Kushner, P.Eng., CFA - Chief Executive Officer and Director
Mr. Koby Kushner, P.Eng., CFA, is the Chief Executive Officer and a director of Libra. He has spent most of his career as a mining engineer and more recently, an equity research analyst. Prior to entering finance, Mr. Kushner worked at several mines in Ontario and Manitoba, including Hemlo (Barrick Gold), Detour, Rice Lake, and others. During this time, Mr. Kushner has seen projects advance through all stages of development, including exploration, production, and closure. He then moved into equity research at Red Cloud Securities, a mining-only investment bank, where he wrote on over 100 companies across various stages of development and a wide range of commodities, with a particular focus on precious and energy metals. He holds a BSc in Mining Engineering from Queen's University, is a licensed Professional Engineer in the province of Ontario and is a CFA charterholder.
David Goodman, B.Com, LL.B (cum laude), CFA - Chairman
David Goodman, B.Com, LL.B, CFA, is the Chairman of Libra. Mr. Goodman left an early career as a litigator in 1994 to become a Partner, Vice President and Portfolio Manager at the investment management firm behind Dynamic Funds. He became President and Chief Executive Officer of Dynamic Funds in 2001 and of DundeeWealth, Dynamic's public company parent, in 2007. Under Mr. Goodman's leadership, the firm became one of Canada's best performing and fastest growing investment managers, was recognized as Fund Company of the Year seven times at the Canadian Investment Awards while growing assets under management from $5 billion to approximately $50 billion, until its ultimate sale in 2011 to a Canadian bank. In the past Mr. Goodman was a member of the boards of DundeeWealth, Repadre Capital Corporation, Dundee Corporation, SickKids Foundation and a trustee of the Dundee REIT. Mr. Goodman was previously the head of Global Asset Management for a major Canadian bank and CEO of Dundee Corporation. In addition to his business interests, Mr. Goodman is the founder and CEO of Humour Me, an annual charity event whereby high-profile executives compete in stand-up comedy and has raised over $25 million to date for worthy causes.
Ben Kuzmich, MSc., P.Geo. - VP Exploration
Mr. Ben Kuzmich, MSc., P.Geo, is a professional geologist with a proven track record of exploration success in Canada throughout Ontario, Manitoba, and the Yukon. His accomplishments include the delineation of the E-Zone at Barrick's Hemlo gold mine, where he managed a $20M drill program, and where his reinterpretation of geologic models resulted in a 23% improvement in underground head grade for 2019. Outside of Hemlo, he led the discovery of the Little Wing gold occurrence at Alamos's Lynn Lake project as well as numerous REE/LCT pegmatite, precious, and base metal occurrences throughout the Superior Province. He completed his MSc thesis at Lakehead University on the highly endowed, critical mineral-rich Ring of Fire in northern Ontario, and his undergraduate thesis on S-type granitic intrusions.
Zachary Goldenberg, JD / HBA - Director
Zachary Goldenberg is the current Chief Executive Officer of PowerStone and a principal of Liberty Venture Partners, a Toronto-based advisory and investment firm focused on startup and growth companies in rapidly emerging industries. A corporate lawyer by background, Zach has significant experience in both the private and public markets as an advisor, investor and board director and has spent much of the past decade working with companies transitioning from private to public navigate the Canadian public venture markets and to source and close strategic transactions. Zach is a graduate of the combined JD / HBA from Western Law and Ivey School of Business, is a member of the TSX Venture Exchange's Ontario Advisory Committee and is a recipient of ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors.
About Libra Lithium Corp.
Libra is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on the discovery and development of the critical minerals necessary for the green energy transition. Libra's Flanders South, Flanders North, and SBC lithium projects in Ontario are being explored under a CAD$33M earn-in deal with KoBold. In addition, Libra has 100% ownership over its Toivo, Burton, Bitchu, Tennant, Battery Hill, Kivinen, and Twist projects in Ontario and its Nemiscau project in Quebec. The Libra team comprises a mix of seasoned executives, engineers, and geoscientists, with extensive experience in mining and mineral exploration, capital markets, asset management, energy, and First Nations engagement.
About PowerStone Metals Corp.
PowerStone is a mineral exploration company focused on the identification and exploration of high-quality critical and precious metals assets, in favorable mining jurisdictions. PowerStone is a reporting issuer in the Provinces of Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta, Canada and its common shares are currently listed for trading on the Canadian Securities Exchange. For more information, please visit www.powerstonemetals.com.
All information contained in this news release with respect to Libra was supplied by Libra, and PowerStone and its directors and officers have relied on Libra for such information.
Contact Information
Zachary Goldenberg Chief Executive Officer, PowerStone Metals Corp. e: zach@libertyvp.co t: 647-987-5083 | Koby Kushner Chief Executive Officer, Libra Lithium Corp. e: kkushner@libralithium.com t: 416-846-6161 |
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, including statements about PowerStone and Libra's future plans and intentions and completion of the Acquisition. Wherever possible, words such as "may", "will", "should", "could", "expect", "plan", "intend", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "predict" or "potential" or the negative or other variations of these words, or similar words or phrases, have been used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management as at the date hereof.
Forward-looking statements involve significant risk, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results discussed or implied in the forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully and readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, PowerStone and Libra cannot assure readers that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and PowerStone and Libra assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law.
Completion of the Acquisition is subject to receipt of all requisite regulatory, stock exchange, court or governmental approvals, authorizations and consents. There can be no assurance that the Acquisition will be completed as proposed or at all.
Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular or filing statement to be prepared in connection with the Acquisition, any information released or received with respect to the Acquisition may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon.
The CSE has in no way passed upon the merits of the business of PowerStone and Libra and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release and accepts no responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy hereof.
QA/QC
Due to the high degree of variability in the sampled pegmatites and granites, the reported grab samples may not be representative of the overall mineralization / characteristics of the bedrock. Grab samples were collected in the field with a hammer and were generally greater than 1 kg in weight. The grab samples were delivered by Libra geologists to ALS Geochemistry Thunder Bay prep labs. Samples were assayed by ALS Geochemistry, Vancouver analytical lab which is an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory and is independent of the Company. The samples were digested using a sodium peroxide fusion and assayed by ICP-MS for trace elements (i.e. ME-MS89L). ALS Geochemistry inserted standards, blanks, pulp duplicates and prep duplicates into the sample stream.
Qualified Person
Ben Kuzmich, M.Sc., P.Geo. supervised the preparation of the scientific and technical information that formed the basis for the written disclosure in this news release. Ben Kuzmich is the VP of Exploration for Libra and the Qualified Person (as such term is defined by National Instrument 43-101). He has verified the data disclosed in this press release, including the sampling, analytical and test data underlying the information. To verify the data related to the sampling program, he has discussed sampling procedures with responsible site staff; discussed and reviewed assay and QA/QC results with responsible personnel; and reviewed supporting documentation, including with respect to sample location and orientation.
The Conversation (0)
22h
Top 4 Largest Lithium Reserves by Country
Those interested in the lithium sector and investing in lithium stocks are often curious about which countries are the top producers of the battery metal, but they may not stop to consider the top lithium reserves by country.
Major lithium-producing countries are, of course, home to a large number of lithium companies. Many of the world’s top lithium producers also hold significant reserves, and their reserves can give an idea of how much room those countries have to grow. At the same time, nations with high reserves may become more significant lithium players in the future.
Looking forward, lithium demand is expected to continue increasing. That’s because, together with metals such as cobalt, lithium is a key raw material in the lithium-ion batteries used to power electric vehicles, and it is also essential for the energy storage sector.
“Demand for lithium-ion batteries is set to continue to grow rapidly in 2025. Benchmark forecasts that EV and ESS-related demand for lithium will both increase by over 30 percent year-on-year in 2025,” Adam Megginson, senior analyst at Benchmark Mineral Intelligence told the Investing News Network.
On that note, here’s an overview of lithium reserves by country, with a focus on the four countries that host the world's largest lithium deposits. Total worldwide lithium reserves stand at 30,000,000 metric tons as of 2024. Data is based on the most recent information from the US Geological Survey. Reserves data refers to contained lithium content.
1. Chile
Lithium reserves: 9.3 million metric tons
Chile holds the largest lithium reserves in the world at 9.3 million metric tons. The country reportedly hosts most of the world’s “economically extractable” lithium reserves, and its Salar de Atacama region houses approximately 33 percent of the world’s lithium reserve base.
Chile was the second biggest producer of lithium in 2024 at 44,000 metric tons (MT). SQM (NYSE:SQM) and Albemarle (NYSE:ALB) are the key lithium producers in Chile, with operations in the Salar de Atacama.
In late April 2023, Chilean President Gabriel Boric announced plans to partially nationalize the country's lithium industry in a bid to bolster the economy and protect the environment. “This is the best chance we have at transitioning to a sustainable and developed economy,” he said at the time.
Chile's state-owned mining company Codelco has negotiated for much larger stakes in both SQM and Albemarle's lithium assets in the country, and will have controlling interests in all operations in that salar going forward.
According to the Baker Institute, Chile's strict legal framework surrounding mining concessions has hamstrung the lithium powerhouse from gaining a bigger share of the global lithium market comparable with this mineral largess.
In early 2025, Chile received seven bids for lithium operation contracts across six salt flats, with a key contender beign a consortium of Eramet (EPA:ERA), Chilean miner Quiborax and state-owned Codelco. The government will announce winners in March 2025, while a second bidding phase has been extended to boost participation.
2. Australia
Lithium reserves: 7 million metric tons
Australia's lithium reserves stand at 7 million metric tons, the majority of which are found in Western Australia. Unlike those found in Chile and Argentina, Australia's lithium reserves are in the form of hard-rock spodumene deposits.
Although it is second to Chile in reserves, Australia was the largest lithium-producing country in the world in 2024, with many operational lithium mines in the country.
The country is home to the Greenbushes lithium mine, which is operated by Talison Lithium, a joint venture comprised of lithium producers Tianqi Lithium (OTC Pink:TQLCF,SZSE:002466), Australian miner IGO (ASX:IGO,OTC Pink:IPGDF) and Albemarle. Greenbushes has been producing lithium since 1985.
A sharp decline in lithium prices has led some of the country's lithium companies to curtail or outright halt their lithium operations and development projects until market conditions improve.
While Western Australia dominates lithium exploration, new research highlights untapped potential in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. Published in "Earth System Science Data," the 2023 study — led by University of Sydney researchers with Geoscience Australia — maps regions with high lithium density, signaling broader opportunities for the growing battery metal market.
“We’ve developed the first map of lithium in Australian soils which identifies areas with elevated concentrations,” said Professor Budiman Minasny. “The map agrees with existing mines and highlights areas that can be potential future lithium sources.”
3. Argentina
Lithium reserves: 4 million metric tons
Argentina ranks third in terms of global lithium reserves at 4 million metric tons. It’s worth noting that Argentina, Chile and Bolivia comprise the “Lithium Triangle,” which hosts more than half of the world’s lithium reserves. The country is also the fourth largest lithium producer in the world, and last year it put out 18,000 MT of the metal.
In May 2022, the Argentine government committed to investing up to US$4.2 billion in its lithium industry over the next three years with the goal of increasing lithium output.
More recently, in April 2024, the government greenlit Argosy Minerals' (ASX:AGY,OTC Pink:ARYMF) expansion of its operations at the Rincon salar to raise annual lithium carbonate production from 2,000 MT to 12,000 MT.
Argentina hosts around 50 advanced lithium mining projects, reports Fastmarkets. “Argentina’s lithium production remains cost-competitive even in a low-price environment,” said Ignacio Celorrio, executive VP of legal and government affairs at Lithium Argentina.
In late 2024 mining major Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO,NYSE:RIO,LSE:RIO) announced plans to invest US$2.5 billion to expand lithium extraction at its operations on Argentina’s Rincon salar, increasing capacity from 3,000 to 60,000 MT, with full capacity reached following a three-year ramp up period beginning in 2028.
4. China
Lithium reserves: 3 million metric tons
China holds lithium reserves of 3 million metric tons. The country has a mix of deposit types; lithium brines make up the majority of its reserves, but it has spodumene and lepidolite hard-rock reserves as well.
Last year it produced 41,000 MT of the mineral, a 5,300 MT increase from the previous year. While it does have significant production and is working to increase it, the Asian nation currently still imports most of the lithium it needs for its battery cells from Australia.
China’s lithium usage is high due to its electronics manufacturing and electric vehicle industries. It also produces the majority of the world’s lithium-ion batteries and hosts most of the world’s lithium-processing facilities.
In October 2024, the US State Department accused China of flooding the market with lithium to create a low price environment to kill off ex-China competition.
“They engage in predatory pricing… (they) lower the price until competition disappears. That is what is happening,” stated Jose W. Fernandez, the US Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy and the Environment.
In early 2025, Chinese media reported that the country has significantly bolstered its lithium ore reserves, claiming national deposits now account for 16.5 percent of global resources, up from 6 percent.
The surge is attributed in part to the discovery of a 2,800 kilometer lithium belt in the western regions, with proven reserves exceeding 6.5 million tons of lithium ore and potential resources surpassing 30 million tons. Additionally, advancements in extracting lithium from salt lakes and mica have further expanded China’s reserves.
Other lithium reserves by country
While Chile, Australia, Argentina and China are home to the world’s highest lithium reserves, other countries also hold significant amounts of the metal. Here’s a quick look at these other nations:
- United States — 1,800,000 MT
- Canada — 1,200,000 MT
- Brazil — 390,000 MT
- Zimbabwe — 480,000 MT
- Portugal — 60,000 MT
As the lithium industry continues to grow, production has followed, and many of these countries with high reserves are becoming significant producers as well.
FAQs for lithium reserves
Where in the world are the best lithium reserves?
Chile has the largest lithium reserves, and the three countries that make up the Lithium Triangle — Argentina, Bolivia and Chile — together account for a large portion of the world’s lithium reserves.
What are the biggest lithium reserves in Europe?
Portugal has the biggest lithium reserves in Europe, coming in at 60,000 metric tons. The Southern European country produced 380 MT of lithium in 2024, the same as the previous year.
Don’t forget to follow us @INN_Resource for real-time news updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Georgia Williams, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Keep reading...Show less
05 March
Top 9 Lithium-producing Countries
Interest in lithium continues to grow due to its role in the lithium-ion batteries that power electric vehicles (EVs). As a result, more and more attention is landing on the top lithium-producing countries.
About 80 percent of the lithium produced globally goes toward battery production, but other industries also consume the metal. For example, 7 percent of lithium is used in ceramics and glass, while 4 percent goes to lubricating greases.
According to the US Geological Survey, lithium use in batteries has increased in recent years due to the use of rechargeable batteries in portable electronic devices, as well as in electric tools, EVs and grid storage applications.
Manufacturers commonly use lithium carbonate or lithium hydroxide in these batteries rather than lithium metal. Lithium-ion batteries also include other important battery metals, such as cobalt, graphite and nickel.
After a volatile 2024 that saw lithium carbonate prices drop 22 percent amid oversupply, analysts predict continued market turbulence in 2025. However, production cuts could narrow the surplus from 84,000 to 33,000 metric tons, while strong EV demand — driven by China's record sales — remains a key factor, as geopolitical tensions and rising tariffs on Chinese EVs add uncertainty in North America.
Despite the recent market challenges, global lithium demand is set to surge over the next decade due to demand from EVs and energy storage. Benchmark Mineral Intelligence forecasts a more than 30 percent year-on-year increase in demand from these sectors in 2025.
Meeting this growth will require up to 150 new battery factories and US$116 billion in investments by 2030 to prevent supply deficits. China will remain dominant, but the EU and US are poised for the fastest expansion. With lithium mining projected to grow at a 7.2 percent compound annual growth rate through 2035, the sector faces a critical decade of investment and supply chain restructuring.
As demand for lithium continues to rise, which countries will provide the lithium the world requires? The latest data from the US Geological Survey shows that the world’s top lithium-producing countries are doing their best to meet rising demand from energy storage and EVs — in fact, worldwide lithium production rose sharply from 2023 to 2024, coming in at 240,000 metric tons (MT) of lithium content last year, compared to 204,000 MT in 2023. These totals do not include US production, as that data is withheld.
What are the top lithium-producing countries?
Where is lithium mined? Australia, Chile and China are the top three for lithium production by country. Zimbabwe has also risen significantly in the ranks, moving from sixth in 2023 to fourth in 2024. As the EV lithium-ion battery market continues to grow, it’s likely these countries will vie for larger roles in supplying the metal in the years to come.
Read on for our list of top global lithium production by country.
1. Australia
Lithium production: 88,000 metric tons
In 2024, Australia produced 88,000 metric tons of lithium, making it the world’s largest producer of lithium. Although the country tops the list, year-over-year production decreased just over 4 percent from 91,700 MT in 2023 to 88,000 MT in 2024.
It's likely the country's lithium production declined in 2024 as a result of weaker demand in the EV space, which in turn pushed lithium prices lower.
Australia is home to many significant lithium mines. The Greenbushes hard rock lithium mine in Western Australia is operated by Talison Lithium, a subsidiary that is jointly owned by miners Albemarle (NYSE:ALB), Tianqi Lithium (OTC Pink:TQLCF,SZSE:002466) and IGO (ASX:IGO,OTC Pink:IPDGF). Greenbushes has been in operation for over a quarter of a century, making it the longest continuously running mining area in the state.
The Greenbushes complex also houses four spodumene concentrate plants with a combined annual production capacity of 1.5 million MT. The mine supplies spodumene to the Kemerton lithium plant and other Albemarle conversion sites worldwide for processing.
Mount Marion, a joint venture between Mineral Resources (ASX:MIN,OTC Pink:MALRF) and Ganfeng Lithium (OTC Pink:GNENF,SZSE:002460,HKEX:1772), is another key lithium mine in Australia. The project, which is located in the Yilgarn Craton, southwest of Kalgoorlie, also contains a processing plant with an annual production capacity of 600,000 MT.
Australia also holds 7 million MT of identified JORC-compliant lithium reserves, which puts it behind Chile’s 9.3 million MT. It is worth noting that most of Australia’s lithium supply is exported to China as spodumene.
2. Chile
Lithium production: 49,000 metric tons
Chilean lithium production topped 49,000 metric tons in 2024. Lithium miners in Chile have steadily increased the nation's output by 127 percent since 2020 when production was 21,500 MT.
Chile’s year-over-year growth has positioned it as the second top lithium producer in the world. Unlike Australia, where lithium is extracted from hard-rock mines, Chile’s lithium is found in lithium brine deposits.
The Salar de Atacama salt flat in Chile generates roughly half the revenue for SQM (NYSE:SQM), a top lithium producer. The Salar de Atacama is also the home of another top lithium brine producer — US-based Albemarle.
In April 2023, market participants and lithium miners were surprised by the Chilean government's plans to nationalize the lithium industry. While ultimately it wasn't a true nationalization, the country is moving to gain controlling stakes in lithium assets in the Salar de Atacama and Maricunga through its state-owned mining company Codelco.
SQM has signed an arrangement with Codelco that will allow it to continue operations in the Salar de Atacama until 2060. The two companies will create a new entity for the operations, with Codelco owning 50 percent plus one share of the company.
Chile’s lithium potential has also attracted the attention of major US oil companies. In February 2025 news broke that Exxon Mobil (NYSE:XOM) is in talks with Chilean officials about lithium opportunities, as fossil fuel firms ramp up investments in EV battery metals.
US oilfield services firm SLB (NYSE:SLB) is also expanding into lithium, with its Head of Mining, Nicholas Lugansky, meeting Chilean officials in January. SLB is among eight companies testing lithium extraction techniques and technologies in northern Chile.
3. China
Lithium production: 41,000 metric tons
China produced 41,000 metric tons of lithium in 2024, earning it the third spot on the top producing countries list. The Asian country saw its lithium supply grow by nearly 15 percent year-on-year, from 35,700 in 2023 to 41,000 in 2024.
China is the largest consumer of lithium due to its electronics manufacturing and EV industries. It also produces more than two-thirds of the world’s lithium-ion batteries and controls most of the world’s lithium-processing facilities. China currently gets the majority of its lithium from Australia, but it is looking to expand its capacity.
In January of 2024, China announced the discovery of a massive million-metric-ton lithium deposit in the country's Sichuan Province. Lithium exploration in China over the last three years has boosted the country’s lithium reserves by 1 million MT, to 3 million MT, according to the USGS.
However, in early 2025 the China Geological Survey, pegged the nation’s total reserves to be more than 30 million MT.
4. Zimbabwe
Lithium production: 22,000 metric tons
In 2024 Zimbabwe's lithium production ballooned to 22,000 metric tons, an exponential increase from 2022’s 800 MT. Year-over-year lithium output rose 47 percent between 2023 and 2024, from 14,900 MT to 22,000 MT.
Total reserves in Zimbabwe have also seen growth climbing from 310,000 MT in 2023 to 480,000 MT as per the US Geological Survey.
In December 2022, Zimbabwe banned the export of raw lithium in an effort to build out the nation's capacity to process battery-grade lithium domestically. The ban excludes companies that are already developing mines or processing plants in Zimbabwe. Lithium concentrate is now on track to become Zimbabwe's third biggest mineral export, behind gold and platinum-group metals, reported Reuters in November 2023.
Lithium-producing countries in Africa have attracted much attention from Chinese firms in recent years, especially Zimbabwe. Sinomine Resource Group (SZSE:002738), for example, bought a stake in Zimbabwe's emerging lithium industry with the purchase of the Bikita mine, the African nation's oldest lithium mine.
Zimbabwe's other key lithium mines include Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt's (SHA:603799) Arcadia mine and state miner Kuvimba Mining House’s Sandawana mine.
In September 2024, Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt and Tsingshan Group,a nickel and stainless steel company, announced plans to study and build a lithium mine and processing plant at Sandawana located in the south of Zimbabwe.
5. Argentina
Lithium production: 18,000 metric tons
Argentina’s annual lithium production grew significantly in 2024, totaling 18,000 metric tons. Year-over-year lithium production increased by more than 100 percent from 8,630 MT in 2023.
It’s well known that Bolivia, Argentina and Chile make up the Lithium Triangle. Argentina’s Salar del Hombre Muerto district hosts significant lithium brines, and its reserves - 4 million MT - are enough for at least 75 years.
At present, lithium mining in the country consists of two major brine operations currently in production and 10 projects that are in development. Analysts at consultancy firm Eurasia Group project that Argentina’s lithium production has the potential to grow approximately tenfold by 2027, as per CNBC.
One of the largest lithium miners in Argentina is Arcadium Lithium (ASX:LTM,NYSE:ALTM), the result of the January 2024 merger of Livent and Allkem. The new entity is the third largest lithium producer in the world. This is soon to change as Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO,NYSE:RIO,LSE:RIO) is set to close its acquisition of Arcadium in early March, bringing its assets under Rio Tinto's umbrella.
Rio Tinto also owns the Rincon lithium brine project, which is set to be a major contributor to the country’s lithium output once it begins commercial production, targeted for 2028. In December 2024, Rio Tinto announced a US$2.5 billion expansion. Once operational, Rincon will use direct lithium extraction technology and produce 60,000 MT of battery-grade lithium carbonate annually, combining a 3,000 MT starter plant and the 57,000 MT expansion.
6. Brazil
Lithium production: 10,000 metric tons
Lithium production in Brazil continues to trend higher. In 2024 the South American nation produced 10,000 MT, almost double 2023’s 5,260 MT. After achieving output of 400 MT or less from 2011 to 2018, the country’s production hit 2,400 MT in 2019 and has continued to rise year-over-year.
Brazil's government plans to invest more than US$2.1 billion by 2030 into expanding the nation's lithium production capacity.
At the state level, in 2023 the Minas Gerais government launched the Lithium Valley Brazil initiative, which is aimed at promoting investment in lithium mining. The program includes four publicly listed lithium companies with assets in the state's Jequitinhonha Valley: Sigma Lithium (TSXV:SGML,NASDAQ:SGML), Lithium Ionic (TSXV:LTH,OTCQX:LTHCF), Atlas Lithium (NASDAQ:ATLX) and Latin Resources (ASX:LRS,OTC Pink:LRSRF).
EV makers are also eyeing Brazil’s lithium market. In February 2025, Reuters reported that Chinese EV giant BYD (OTC Pink:BYDDF,HKEX:1211,SZSE:002594) reportedly entered the mining sector in 2023, when it acquired 852 hectares of lithium-rich land in Minas Gerais' Jequitinhonha Valley. The company is currently building an EV factory in Bahia state, but construction was paused at the end of 2024 due to "slavery-like" working conditions.
7. Canada
Lithium production: 4,300 metric tons
Canada's lithium production increased to 4,300 metric tons in 2024, representing a 32 percent uptick from 2023’s 3,240 MT.
The country currently produces lithium from two operations: the Tanco mine in Manitoba, owned by Sinomine subsidiary Tantalum Mining, and the North American Lithium operation in Québec, a joint venture between Piedmont Lithium (ASX:PLL,NASDAQ:PLL) and Sayona Mining (ASX:SYA,OTCQX:SYAXF).
While Canada is home to a wealth of hard-rock spodumene deposits and lithium brine resources, much of it remains underdeveloped. In an effort to grow a strong North American lithium supply chain for the battery industry, the government has invested in a number of lithium projects, including C$27 million for E3 Lithium (TSXV:ETL,OTCQX:EEMMF), a lithium resource and technology company, and C$1.07 million to private company Prairie Lithium. Both are developing direct lithium extraction technology in Canada's prairie provinces Alberta and Saskatchewan.
In November 2023, the Canadian government launched the C$1.5 billion Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund. The fund seeks to address gaps in the infrastructure required for the sustainable development of the nation’s critical minerals production, including battery metals like lithium.
Canada's efforts were rewarded in early 2024, when BloombergNEF gave the nation the top spot in the fourth edition of its Global Lithium-ion Battery Supply Chain Ranking.
At the end of 2024, the Canadian government’s Export Development Canada program pledged up to C$100 million in financing to Green Technology Metals (ASX:GT1,OTC Pink:GTMLF) for the development of Ontario's first lithium mine at Seymour Lake.
8. Portugal
Lithium production: 380 metric tons
Portugal's lithium production remained flat in 2024 coming in at 380 metric tons, the same tally as the previous year. Output has declined drastically since 2021, when its lithium production reached 900 MT.
Most of Portugal's lithium comes from small-scale operations targeting quartz and feldspar. Despite this lithium-producing country’s comparatively low output, Portugal’s lithium reserves stand at 60,000 MT.
In September 2024, Savannah Resources (LSE:SAV,OTC Pink:SAVNF) delayed the start of lithium production at its Barroso project in Portugal to 2027, citing prolonged environmental approval processes and regulatory hurdles. The project has also received public backlash due to concerns about the environmental impact of lithium mining.
The project, set to be Western Europe’s first significant lithium mine, is projected to play a pivotal role in the EU’s ambitions of battery material self-sufficiency. Despite the setback, Savannah remains committed to advancing the development, emphasizing its role in strengthening Europe’s EV supply chain.
9. United States
Lithium production: Withheld
In the final place on this top lithium-producing countries list is the US, which has withheld production numbers to avoid disclosing proprietary company data. Its only output last year came from two operations: a Nevada-based brine operation, most likely in the Clayton Valley, which hosts Albemarle’s Silver Peak mine, and the brine-sourced waste tailings of Utah-based US Magnesium, the largest primary magnesium producer in North America.
There are a handful of major lithium projects underway in the US, including Lithium Americas’ (TSX:LAC,NYSE:LAC) Thacker Pass lithium claystone project, Piedmont Lithium's hard-rock lithium project and Standard Lithium’s (TSXV:SLI,OTCQX:STLHF) Arkansas Smackover lithium brine project.
Don’t forget to follow us @INN_Resource for real-time news updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Georgia Williams, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Keep reading...Show less
04 March
Jindalee Lithium Secures Funding to Advance One of the Largest Lithium Deposits in US
Jindalee Lithium (ASX:JLL,OTCQX:JNDAF) CEO Ian Rodger delves into the company’s strategy following the sale of a non-core asset and the significance of this transaction for the future development of Jindalee's flagship McDermitt lithium project in Oregon, US.
Watch the full interview with Ian Rodger, CEO of Jindalee Lithium, above.
27 February
Investor Presentation Acquisition of the Strategic Prophet River Ge-Ga Project
Prophet River, British Columbia, Canada – Brownfields Exploration Project Strategic Metals – Germanium and Gallium
Rapid Lithium Limited (ASX:RLL) has announced Investor Presentation Acquisition of the Strategic Prophet River Ge-Ga Project.
The Prophet River Project is located in British Columbia with prior exploration demonstrating the high-grade nature of the Zinc, Germanium and Gallium mineralisation:
- 21 previous drill holes completed with bulk samples from two zones graded up to 22.69% Zn, 40 g/t Ga, 1,500ppm Ge and 0.36% Pb*
- 100% interest in 2,110 Ha (21km2) covering the historic Cay Mine and surrounding prospective areas
- Germanium and Gallium are exceptionally high value strategic metals used in the technology sector, semi-conductors, fibre-optics, solar cells, magnets, batteries and LEDs with recent increases in commodity prices – China has banned the export of Germanium and Gallium making it a key strategic metal of high value
- Prophet River bulk samples reported some of the highest Germanium values recorded globally – a key strategic project
Click here for the full ASX Release
This article includes content from Rapid Lithium, licensed for the purpose of publishing on Investing News Australia. This article does not constitute financial product advice. It is your responsibility to perform proper due diligence before acting upon any information provided here. Please refer to our full disclaimer here.
Keep reading...Show less
26 February
ASX Listing and CEO Designate
CleanTech Lithium PLC (AIM: CTL), an exploration and development company advancing sustainable lithium projects in Chile, announces that it now expects the Australian Securities Exchange ("ASX") listing to launch in April and complete in May. While the ASX listing process is taking longer than initially expected, the Board and our advisers believe that waiting for a positive decision by the end of March on entering the streamlined direct negotiation process for the Special Lithium Operating Contract ("CEOL") for Laguna Verde and completing the Pre-Feasibility Study ("PFS") will significantly strengthen our investment case in the Australian market.
The Company also recognises that, under ASX listing rules, it will now have to include 2024 year-end audited financials ("2024 Financials") in the ASX-listing Prospectus before the Prospectus can be published. The 2024 Financials are well-advanced and expected to be released by the Company before the end of March 2025, some three months earlier than normally planned so that the Prospectus can be finalised shortly thereafter. The Prospectus will also include results of the PFS, which is progressing well and is anticipated to be finalised and published in April.
The Company has been informed by Tony Esplin, nominated as CEO designate in November 2024, that he has reconsidered his position and, for personal reasons, will not be taking up his intended appointment as CEO. Mr Esplin's appointment was conditional on the successful listing of the Company on the ASX which is now expected to complete in May. The Company´s Executive Chairman, Steve Kesler, will continue as interim CEO whilst the Board re-engages with alternative candidates as the CEO to lead CleanTech Lithium into its next phase of growth.
Steve Kesler, Executive Chairman, CleanTech Lithium PLC commented:
"We believe that pushing out the ASX listing to include the resolution allowing the Company to enter direct negotiation with Government on the CEOL and results from the PFS will be taken positively by Australian investors. We regret that Tony has decided to withdraw from the proposed appointment as CEO, and we will start to re-engage with other high calibre candidates immediately."
The Board believes the ASX listing will enhance shareholder value and will provide further updates on the ASX listing and CEO search in due course.
Investor Webinar
CleanTech Lithium will be hosting a live webinar via the London Stock Exchange platform Spark Live on Wednesday 26th February. This webinar will begin at 13:00 GMT and investors can register for free via this link: https://shorturl.at/5020m
For further information contact: | |
CleanTech Lithium PLC | |
Steve Kesler/Gordon Stein/Nick Baxter | Jersey office: +44 (0) 1534 668 321 Chile office: +56 9 312 00081 |
Or via Celicourt | |
Celicourt Communications Felicity Winkles/Philip Dennis/Ali AlQahtani | +44 (0) 20 7770 6424 |
Beaumont Cornish Limited (Nominated Adviser) Roland Cornish/Asia Szusciak | +44 (0) 20 7628 3396 |
Fox-Davies Capital Limited (Joint Broker) Daniel Fox-Davies | +44 (0) 20 3884 8450 |
Canaccord Genuity (Joint Broker) James Asensio | +44 (0) 20 7523 4680 |
Beaumont Cornish Limited ("Beaumont Cornish") is the Company's Nominated Adviser and is authorised and regulated by the FCA. Beaumont Cornish's responsibilities as the Company's Nominated Adviser, including a responsibility to advise and guide the Company on its responsibilities under the AIM Rules for Companies and AIM Rules for Nominated Advisers, are owed solely to the London Stock Exchange. Beaumont Cornish is not acting for and will not be responsible to any other persons for providing protections afforded to customers of Beaumont Cornish nor for advising them in relation to the proposed arrangements described in this announcement or any matter referred to in it.
Notes
CleanTech Lithium (AIM:CTL) is an exploration and development company advancing lithium projects in Chile for the clean energy transition. Committed to net-zero, CleanTech Lithium's mission is to become a new supplier of battery grade lithium using Direct Lithium Extraction technology powered by renewable energy.
CleanTech Lithium has two key lithium projects in Chile, Laguna Verde and Viento Andino, and exploration stage projects in Llamara and Arenas Blancas (Salar de Atacama), located in the lithium triangle, a leading centre for battery grade lithium production. The two most advanced projects: Laguna Verde and Viento Andino are situated within basins controlled by the Company, which affords significant potential development and operational advantages. All four projects have good access to existing infrastructure.
CleanTech Lithium is committed to utilising Direct Lithium Extraction with reinjection of spent brine resulting in no aquifer depletion. Direct Lithium Extraction is a transformative technology which removes lithium from brine with higher recoveries, short development lead times and no extensive evaporation pond construction. www.ctlithium.com
Click here for the full release
This article includes content from Cleantech Lithium PLC, licensed for the purpose of publishing on Investing News Australia. This article does not constitute financial product advice. It is your responsibility to perform proper due diligence before acting upon any information provided here. Please refer to our full disclaimer here.
Keep reading...Show less
24 February
Jindalee Realises $2.75M from Sale of Non-Core Asset
Jindalee Lithium Limited (Jindalee, the Company; ASX: JLL, OTCQX: JNDAF) advises that the Company has sold its shareholding in Dynamic Metals (ASX: DYM, Dynamic), raising $2.75M before costs.
Dynamic was formerly a Jindalee subsidiary which held Jindalee’s Australian exploration assets. Dynamic was spun out of the Company in January 2023 following a $7M IPO which included a priority entitlement to Jindalee shareholders1, leaving Jindalee as a pure play US lithium company focussed on the 100% owned McDermitt Project (McDermitt), one of the largest lithium deposits in the US and of global significance.
In mid-November 2024 Jindalee announced the results of a Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) on McDermitt2. The PFS confirmed a 63 year life with the Project producing 1.8Mt Lithium Carbonate at C1 costs of US$8,670/t for the first 40 years and a 5 year payback. The PFS also noted excellent potential to reduce capital and operating costs as well as increase production at McDermitt.
Priority activities following completion of the PFS include engagement with potential funding partners and US Government agencies, together with investigation of opportunities to improve Project economics, permitting and community engagement. The proceeds from the Dynamic sale will enable these activities to be accelerated.
Jindalee’s CEO Ian Rodger commented"This transaction is firmly aligned with our strategy of advancing McDermitt while preserving shareholder value. At a time when many lithium companies are struggling to raise capital, Jindalee’s ability to unlock funding from a non-core asset enables us to accelerate project development in a less dilutive way. History shows that projects advanced during downturns are best positioned to capture the upswing, and with lithium prices at unsustainable levels, a supply crunch is inevitable. This funding provides us the runway to progress key catalysts—including engagement with potential funding partners and US government agencies, project optimisation, and advancing permitting and community engagement. As one of the most advanced sedimentary lithium projects in the US, McDermitt is strategically positioned to benefit from the policy priorities of the new administration as the US moves to secure domestic supply of critical minerals."
Click here for the full ASX Release
This article includes content from Jindalee Lithium Limited, licensed for the purpose of publishing on Investing News Australia. This article does not constitute financial product advice. It is your responsibility to perform proper due diligence before acting upon any information provided here. Please refer to our full disclaimer here.
Keep reading...Show less
Latest News
Latest Press Releases
Related News
TOP STOCKS
American Battery4.030.24
Aion Therapeutic0.10-0.01
Cybin Corp2.140.00
Investing News Network websites or approved third-party tools use cookies. Please refer to the cookie policy for collected data, privacy and GDPR compliance. By continuing to browse the site, you agree to our use of cookies.