Here are the ten largest lithium mines by production across the world in 2021, according to GlobalData’s mining database.
1. Mibra Mine
The Mibra Mine is a surface mine situated in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Owned by Advanced Metallurgical Group, the greenfield mine produced an estimated 752.4 thousand tonnes of lithium in 2021. The mine will operate until 2034.
2. Bald Hill Lithium and Tantalum Project
Located in Western Australia, Australia, the Bald Hill Lithium and Tantalum Project is owned by Alita Resources. The surface mine produced an estimated 274.6 thousand tonnes of lithium in 2021. The mine will operate until 2027.
3. Mount Marion Lithium Project
The Mount Marion Lithium Project is a surface mine located in Western Australia, Australia. Owned by Mineral Resources, the greenfield mine produced an estimated 485 thousand tonnes of lithium in 2021. The mine will operate until 2047.
4. Greenbushes Lithium Operations
Owned by Albemarle, the Greenbushes Lithium Operations is a surface mine situated in Western Australia, Australia. The brownfield mine produced an estimated 66.2 thousand tonnes of lithium in 2021. The expected mine closure date is 2038.
5. Pilgangoora Project
The Pilgangoora Project is a surface mine situated in Western Australia, Australia. Owned by Pilbara Minerals, the brownfield mine produced an estimated 457.3 thousand tonnes of lithium in 2021. The mine is expected to operate until 2060.
6. Salar de Atacama Mine
The Salar de Atacama Mine is a in-situ leaching mine situated in Antofagasta, Chile. Owned by Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile, the brownfield mine produced an estimated 51.3 thousand tonnes of lithium in 2021. The mine will operate until 2030.
7. Bikita Mine
Located in Masvingo, Zimbabwe, the Bikita Mine is owned by Bikita Minerals (PVT). The surface mine produced an estimated 48.8 thousand tonnes of lithium in 2021.
8. Jiajika Project
The Jiajika Project is a surface mine located in Sichuan, China. Owned by Tianqi Lithium, the greenfield mine produced an estimated 40.9 thousand tonnes of lithium in 2021.
9. Salar de Atacama Mine (Albemarle Corporation)
Owned by Albemarle, the Salar de Atacama Mine (Albemarle Corporation) is a surface mine situated in El Loa, Chile. The greenfield mine produced an estimated 36.8 thousand tonnes of lithium in 2021. The expected mine closure date is 2043.
10. Mount Cattlin Lithium Mine
The Mount Cattlin Lithium Mine is a surface mine situated in Western Australia, Australia. Owned by Galaxy Resources, the brownfield mine produced an estimated 1,340 thousand tonnes of lithium in 2021. The mine is expected to operate until 2025.
Methodology:
This information is drawn from GlobalData’s mines and projects database, which tracks all operating and developing mines and projects globally. Verdict’s parent company GlobalData provides business information to 4,000 of the world’s largest companies.