lithiumbearing

Lithium-bearing is an adjective used in geology and mining to describe rocks, minerals, or brines that contain lithium (Li) in concentrations that may be economically recoverable. The term encompasses both solid minerals and dissolved lithium in saline solutions. Common lithium-bearing minerals include spodumene and petalite in pegmatites, as well as lepidolite, while lithium is also abundant in evaporitic brines in arid regions.

Deposits are typically categorized into hard rock and brine types. Hard rock or pegmatite deposits host lithium-bearing minerals formed by late-stage crystallization of granitic magmas and are mined by open pits. Brine deposits form when lithium-rich groundwater concentrates salts in evaporating basins; pumping and solar evaporation yield lithium salts that can be refined into lithium carbonate or hydroxide.

Processing differs by deposit type. Hard rock concentrates undergo crushing, grinding, flotation or magnetic separation to produce a lithium-bearing concentrate, followed by chemical processing to yield battery-grade compounds. Brine operations concentrate lithium by evaporation and chemical treatment to produce lithium carbonate or other lithium chemicals.

Economically, lithium-bearing materials are central to the supply of lithium for rechargeable batteries. Major producers include Australia (hard rock), Chile and Argentina (brine), and China. Market dynamics are influenced by resource estimates, technology, and environmental considerations such as water use and land impact.