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author: Marvin L. Covault, Lt Gen US Army, retired
published: June 12, 2022 at AutreyResearch.com
When looking for an answer to the question, of how long will the earth’s supply of lithium last, there are many variables to consider. For example, what are the current lithium reserves (mineable and available) and resources (exist but may not be currently mineable), can we find more, which size battery (small, medium, large) do we use in the computations, what will the total worldwide demand be, can new technology expand battery life, etc.? Some studies conclude that demand will exceed supply by 2050, others say we should be OK with supply until 2100.
Already, 17 of the 78 minerals contained in the earth’s crust are classified as, ‘rare earth metals,” some of which are essential to manufacturing almost anything electric. And, you guessed it, China controls about 80% of the world’s supply. Controlling the supply provides an opportunity to control processing which leads to controlling price and also who gets what share. Not a comforting thought.