瞭望 | 提高关键资源保障力

Core Viewpoint - The competition for lithium resources is described as the "first resource war" of the new energy era, determining which countries will dominate the green energy revolution [1] Group 1: Current State of Lithium Resources - In 2024, China's domestic lithium resource production is expected to increase by over 30% [4] - Despite having diverse and abundant lithium resources, China faces challenges such as low ore grades and difficult natural extraction conditions [4] - China is the world's largest energy producer and consumer, with a significant reliance on imported lithium resources [3][5] - In 2024, China is projected to import approximately 5.25 million tons of lithium concentrate, a year-on-year increase of about 31% [5] Group 2: Global Competition and Market Dynamics - The global demand for lithium is expected to grow explosively, with consumption projected to increase by about seven times by 2030 and potentially over 40 times by 2040 [7] - The distribution of global lithium resources is uneven, with five countries (Chile, Australia, Argentina, China, and the USA) accounting for over 80% of the total [7] - The lithium market is increasingly monopolized by a few companies, with Albemarle and Livent controlling over 30% of global lithium resources [9] Group 3: Recommendations for Enhancing Resource Security - Experts suggest accelerating the development of domestic lithium mining and extraction technologies, as well as promoting recycling and alternative technologies [2][11] - There is a call for deepening cooperation with resource-rich countries to diversify supply sources and enhance bargaining power [2][11] - Participation in the formulation of international mining regulations and environmental standards is deemed crucial for improving the global standing of Chinese enterprises [12]