Lithium

Lithium is a chemical element with the symbol Li and atomic number 3. It is the lightest known metal and is less dense than water, so it floats on water. It belongs to the group of alkali metals, meaning it reacts readily with air and water.

Because of its high reactivity, lithium does not occur in nature in its pure form. It is extracted from mineral ores such as spodumene and also from salt brines (brine deposits) in arid regions of South America and elsewhere.

Physical properties

Lithium is a soft, silvery-white metal that can be cut with a knife. When burned, it produces a white-red flame, which is used to identify it. It is stored in oil or an inert gas to protect it from the air. It has high electrochemical potential, making it suitable for energy storage.

Use in batteries

The largest use today is in lithium-ion batteries. These are found in mobile phones, computers, and electric vehicles. These batteries store large amounts of energy in a small mass and can be recharged many times. The demand from electric vehicles has driven lithium consumption upward in recent years, and some governments have recognized it as a strategic mineral.

Other uses

Lithium compounds are used in the treatment of bipolar disorder, a mental health condition where they reduce mood swings. They are also added to ceramics and clay to reduce thermal expansion, and to industrial greases.

Extraction and environmental issues

Extraction of lithium from brine requires large quantities of salt-rich water to be drawn and evaporated in the sun in large pools over months. This method uses large amounts of water, and conflicts have emerged between mining operations and local communities over water distribution. Hard rock mining requires substantial amounts of energy and chemical processing.