What is this metal for and what is its importance?
For a few years now, lithium has been implemented in the development of various products that have become widespread in the everyday use of the majority of people on the planet.
Its most common application, according to the RSC, is in the manufacture of batteries for cell phones, laptops, digital cameras and electric vehicles.
Yes, it is very likely that at this moment you are holding some lithium in your hands.
Lithium, in alloy with aluminum and magnesium, strengthens the resistance of these last two elements, while making them lighter. Magnesium and lithium alloys are used, for example, in bulletproof vests and protections. While lithium and aluminum alloys have applications in aeronautics, bicycle manufacturing and the assembly of high-speed trains.
As if that were not enough, lithium oxide is used to make glasses and certain ceramic products, while lithium chloride is present in air conditioners and industrial drying systems.
An additional and critical application for lithium is in the pharmaceutical industry. Given its properties of conduction of electrical signals, this mineral is present in some medications for the treatment of manic-depressive disorders and episode of mania.
Therefore, lithium has become a highly coveted mineral due to the explosion in demand for several of the aforementioned products.
Australia is currently the largest lithium producer and three companies, Ganfeng, SQM and Albermarle dominate the supply.