21世纪经济报道·2025-09-16 00:34Core Viewpoint - The concept of the "Asian Lithium Belt" has gained significant attention, highlighting a major lithium mineralization zone across four provinces in China, with substantial lithium resources identified [1][2][4]. Summary by Sections Asian Lithium Belt Discovery - The "Asian Lithium Belt" spans 2,800 kilometers across Sichuan, Qinghai, Tibet, and Xinjiang, containing multiple large and super-large lithium mines, with a total proven lithium resource exceeding 6.5 million tons and a potential resource of over 30 million tons [1][6]. - The belt includes significant lithium deposits such as the Jiajika mine in Sichuan, which is one of the most concentrated lithium resources globally [1][6]. Economic Impact and Supply Chain - The discovery of the "Asian Lithium Belt" has attracted major mining companies like Tianqi Lithium and Zijin Mining, as well as battery giants like CATL, contributing to a robust lithium supply chain in China [2][4]. - The price of lithium products has surged, with lithium carbonate prices rising from around 40,000 yuan/ton before 2015 to peaks of 600,000 yuan/ton, driven by the rapid growth of the electric vehicle market [4][5]. Strategic Importance of Lithium Resources - China has historically relied on imported lithium, leading to supply chain vulnerabilities. The discovery of the "Asian Lithium Belt" is a critical step in enhancing domestic lithium resource exploration and development [5][6]. - The "Asian Lithium Belt" has increased China's lithium reserves from 6% to 16.5% of the global total, elevating its global ranking from sixth to second [6]. Regional Economic Development - The development of lithium resources has significantly contributed to regional economic growth, with initiatives in areas like Hunan and Xinjiang demonstrating successful models of resource-driven industrial development [8][9]. - The establishment of partnerships and projects in these regions is expected to create thousands of jobs and attract substantial investments, further enhancing local economies [9][10]. Industry Trends and Future Outlook - The trend towards integration and scale in the lithium industry is evident, with companies like Shengxin Lithium Energy and Zhongmin Resources pursuing both domestic and international resource acquisitions [12][13]. - The "Asian Lithium Belt" is expected to provide a dual resource guarantee for China's new energy industry, supporting the development of a comprehensive lithium supply chain [14].