Lithium
Overview
The lightest alkali metal, essential for rechargeable batteries powering electric vehicles, grid-scale energy storage, and consumer electronics. Also used in ceramics, glass, and pharmaceutical applications.
Strategic Relevance
Backbone of the EV revolution. IEA projects 8x demand growth by 2040 under Net Zero scenarios. Australia and Chile dominate mining but China controls 70% of refining.
Applications
Price History
Historical price trend (USD/kg or USD/tonne)
Physical Properties
- Density
- 0.534 g/cm³
- Melting Point
- 180.5°C
- Atomic Number
- 3
- Category
- Alkali Metal
Supply Concentration
- Australia50%
- Chile25%
- China15%
- Argentina8%
- Other2%
Related Documentation
Procyon Indicative Price
Form: Carbonate · Purity: 99.5%
Indicative level for information only, based on Procyon Metals' trading activity. It is not a firm offer or investment advice. Firm quotes are issued to partner advisers and professional clients according to form, purity and volume.
Request a firm quote →Frequently asked questions
What is the price of lithium?
In 2024, the reference price for lithium stood at around 10.5 USD/kg, compared with 14 USD/kg in 2023. Prices vary with purity, form (oxide or metal) and traded volume; the full history is charted above.
How can a client hold physical lithium?
Lithium is held in a specified form (metal, oxide or compound) and purity, backed by a certificate of analysis for the lot. Procyon Metals works through wealth advisers and family offices: it sources from vetted counterparties, documents the lot and arranges transport and storage with a specialist custodian.
Why is lithium a strategic metal?
Backbone of the EV revolution. IEA projects 8x demand growth by 2040 under Net Zero scenarios. Australia and Chile dominate mining but China controls 70% of refining.
Which countries produce lithium?
Lithium production is highly concentrated: Australia (50%), Chile (25%), China (15%), Argentina (8%).
How liquid is physical lithium?
Less liquid than listed products: there is no exchange price for lithium that a private holder can trade on. Resale is negotiated with industrial buyers or traders, and the price and timing depend on form, purity, lot size and demand at that moment. It should be treated as a long-horizon holding.