Chan Ye Xin Xi Wang·2025-11-28 01:09Core Insights - The article emphasizes the significance of lithium extraction from salt lakes, highlighting its advantages over traditional rock mining, including larger resource reserves, lower costs, and stronger environmental benefits [1][2][5] - The industry is entering a phase of large-scale application driven by policy support and increasing demand from the downstream new energy sector, with lithium carbonate prices expected to rise after a temporary decline [1][9] Overview of Salt Lake Lithium Extraction Industry - Salt lake lithium extraction involves using various technologies to extract lithium salts from salt lake brine, making it a crucial upstream activity in the new energy supply chain [1][4] - China holds a significant position in global lithium resources, with salt lake brine lithium mines accounting for 73.26% of the country's total reserves, primarily located in Qinghai and Tibet [1][9] Industry Development Background - Lithium is recognized as a strategic metal essential for modern energy transition, widely used in batteries for electric vehicles and consumer electronics [4][5] - The Chinese government has implemented several policies to promote the high-quality development of the lithium industry, focusing on technological innovation and industry collaboration [5][9] Current State of the Salt Lake Lithium Extraction Industry - China's lithium resource reserves are approximately 6.8 million tons, with 3 million tons being extractable, predominantly from salt lake brine [9] - The production cost of lithium from salt lakes is significantly lower than that from hard rock mining, making it a key player in the global lithium supply chain [6][9] Industry Chain Analysis - The salt lake lithium extraction industry chain is well-defined, with upstream companies focusing on resource extraction, midstream firms providing key technologies, and downstream players manufacturing batteries [8][9] - The demand for lithium batteries is rapidly increasing, with production expected to grow from 750 GWh in 2022 to 1170 GWh by 2024, driven by electric vehicles and energy storage [8][9] Future Development Trends - The industry is expected to advance in technology innovation, resource-technology integration, and green transformation, focusing on improving efficiency and sustainability [11][12][13] - Companies are increasingly investing in high-quality salt lake projects, with major players like Cangge Mining and Salt Lake Co. expanding their production capacities [10][11]