Beijing, January 18, 2024, The Europe Today: In a groundbreaking discovery, China has identified nearly one million tonnes of lithium ores in Yajiang, located in the southwest region of Sichuan Province. The Ministry of Natural Resources confirmed on Wednesday that this find is now recognized as Asia’s largest source of pegmatite-type monomeric lithium ores.
Lithium, a soft and silver-white alkali metal with the atomic number 3, possesses distinctive characteristics, including being the lightest metal, having the highest electrochemical potential, and being highly reactive with water.
As a pivotal “green energy metal of the 21st century,” lithium holds profound significance in global efforts to achieve carbon neutrality. It plays a critical role in the production of electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries, and solar batteries.
The Ministry of Natural Resources expressed its commitment to further promote the availability and utilization of lithium mining lots, enhancing the supply of lithium ore to stimulate the growth of the lithium mining market. An official from the ministry stated that this discovery contributes significantly to securing the essential resource for advancing clean energy technologies.
Traditionally found in countries like Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Australia, China, and the United States, lithium ores are integral to global lithium production. China’s recent identification of this substantial lithium deposit not only establishes the country as a key player in the lithium market but also underscores its commitment to advancing sustainable and green energy solutions on a global scale. The monumental discovery in Yajiang is anticipated to have far-reaching implications for the future of clean energy technology and the drive towards carbon neutrality.
