Lithium extraction

The process of obtaining lithium, a key component in batteries for electric vehicles and portable electronics, involves two primary methods: brine extraction and hard rock mining. Brine extraction involves pumping lithium-rich brine from underground reservoirs and allowing the water to evaporate, leaving behind lithium compounds, while hard rock mining involves extracting lithium from spodumene ore. These methods are essential for the production of lithium but have significant environmental impacts, including water usage and potential contamination.