Lithium carbonate price 2010-2020

In 2020, the average price of a battery-grade lithium carbonate was an estimated 8,000 U.S. dollars per metric ton. Lithium is a highly reactive soft and silvery-white alkali metal. As the third element in the periodic table, they have 3 protons in its nucleus and three electrons around it. As a result of being highly reactive, it cannot be found in its pure form in nature. Additionally, it is also very flammable and can cause burns if it comes into contact with skin. Furthermore, it is necessary that it is stored in mineral oil because otherwise it will react with air or water. It is the least dense of solid elements and the lightest out of all metals.

Lithium and Batteries

One of lithium’s most well-known end uses is in lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable and mostly used in portable electronics and electronic vehicles. In lithium-ion batteries, the lithium ions move from the negative electrode to positive electrode and back while charging. These batteries are highly flammable but are also low-maintenance. They have a high energy density and a low self-discharge. Some drawbacks include the fact that they are expensive to manufacture, and that they require protection circuits to maintain the voltage safely. Lithium-ion batteries are also the single-largest end user of lithium, at 71 percent of global lithium consumption in 2020. In 2017 the global demand for lithium in batteries was 87 kilotons of lithium carbonate equivalent, this is expected to increase to 509 kilotons of lithium carbonate equivalent in 2025.

Lithium Price Forecasts

Looking to the future, lithium prices are expected to have a steady growth. In 2025, the price for 99% lithium carbonate is expected to be 7.56 U.S. dollars per kilogram. For 99.5% lithium carbonate, the price is projected to be about 9.39 U.S. dollars per kilogram, and the price for 56.5% lithium hydroxide monohydrate is expected to be 9.38 U.S. dollars per kilogram.