Are you wondering where the materials needed to make batteries come from? Read here to learn about the top mining companies for lithium-ion battery materials.
Lithium is not the only key material needed to make lithium-ion batteries.
While the raw materials can vary from one design to the other, most modern batteries require graphite, cobalt, manganese, silicon, iron, and aluminum. This means that as demand grows for modern batteries, so will the profits of mining companies that specialize in these materials.
These materials are not new and have various applications in modern technology today. However, increased demand for batteries will result in shortages and skyrocketing prices. This is why it's important to understand who the top mining companies are.
Want to learn more about the top mining companies in the battery space? Read this guide on everything you need to know.
Battery technology has evolved over the years. While the concept has stayed relatively the same, the application and design of modern batteries are unique. Besides using different materials, these batteries are designed in more compact, effective ways.
The voltaic pile was invented back in 1800 and is often referred to as the first battery. This consisted of copper and zinc discs that were piled on top of each other. Each layer was separated by a cloth that was soaked in brine.
The underlying concept has remained the same. However, modern batteries don't rely on copper and zinc in the same way. Instead, the new industry standard is to use lithium.
There are various kinds of batteries that we use every day. These batteries range in size and application. The smallest batteries that you can think of are used for our watches and remotes.
These are known as AAA or AA batteries. However, the batteries that are used in our phones, tablets, and laptops are larger. These are lithium-ion batteries that are designed specifically for the device.
In some cases, custom batteries are made to fit the exact shape and style of the device that you're using. This allows manufacturers to make the most of the internal space that they have.
When it comes to modern, lithium-ion batteries. There are a few key materials that are required. These materials are incredibly effective at storing and transferring energy.
However, the recent demand for battery technology is bound to affect the prices of these materials. Mining companies that work with these materials will need to expand their operations, allowing them to generate even more profit.
Lithium is a chemical element that comes with the symbol Li. This material has an atomic number of 3 and is a silver alkali metal. This metal is one of the least dense metals that you can get.
Graphite is a crystalline form of carbon that's often used to make pencils. This material occurs naturally and is the most stable form of carbon. While this material is used to make pencils, it's also vital to make lubricants for various industries.
Cobalt is a chemical element with the symbol Co. This element comes with an atomic number of 27. Cobalt is found in Earth's crust and is a durable, hard, silver metal.
Manganese is a chemical element with the symbol Mn. This mineral has an atomic number of 25. This mineral is found in the human body but is often found in combination with iron.
Silicon is a chemical element that's vital to the computer and technology industry. This chemical element is known by the symbol Si and has an atomic number of 14. This is a blue-grey metalloid that's an excellent semiconductor, hence why it's so popular for computers.
Iron is a chemical element with the symbol Fe. This element comes with the atomic number 26 and is the most abundant element on Earth by mass. This is found predominantly in the Earth's outer and inner core.
Aluminum is a silvery-white metal that's incredibly lightweight. This material is known by the symbol Al and comes with the atomic number 13. There are various alloys of this material, making it one of the most popular materials to use for phones, computers, and components.
Since the renewable energy market is booming, it's natural for supporting industries to boom at the same time. This is why many investors are looking to invest in the top mines that produce vital materials for batteries.
While these mines are not new, they have expanded their operations to account for the increased demand. This is what enables them to produce more to support the industry's growth.
It's important to understand the importance of these mines. Even the slightest of delays can cause a worldwide supply chain shortage. This will stop electric cars, phones, and computers from being produced.
This is why it's so essential that these mines operate in the most efficient and reliable ways.
If you're thinking to invest in this new technology, your money is best invested in the biggest mines. This is because big mines are more financially secure and offer lower risk to investors.
Here's a quick look at the top mines for each of the vital materials needed to produce lithium-ion batteries.
Lithium is essential to produce lithium-ion batteries. This material can be extracted from lithium clay that's found in various countries around the world. Currently, most lithium comes from Australia, with Chile and China not far behind in production.
While Australia does dominate production, Chile is the country with the largest lithium reserves. This could come into play later on when supply slows down in Australia and China.
This is why it's essential to keep an eye on Chilian mining companies like SQM in the future. Here's a quick look at the best-performing lithium mining companies right now.
Graphite is an essential material for lithium-ion batteries and a wide range of other applications. China is the largest producer of graphite in the world. However, Madagascar, Mozambique, and Brazil and also notable.
China is still by far the biggest producer as they produce more than four times more than other countries. Here's a quick look at the most promising graphite mining companies to look out for.
Despite the controversy around Glencore, they are still a dominant mining company in the cobalt industry. They have a large African footprint that enables them to remain on top of the cobalt mining stats.
When you look at countries that produce cobalt, the Democratic Republic of Congo dwarfs the rest of the industry with around 130,000 MT. Here's a quick list of the biggest cobalt mining companies right now.
South Africa is by far the biggest producer of manganese in the world. The country is responsible for more production than any other nation, leading China and Australia comfortably.
There are a few major manganese companies that you can invest in. Here's a brief list of the top options.
Silicon is one of the most valuable resources in the modern economy. This is because the mineral is vital to all kinds of technology that we depend on. China leads the industry and is closely followed by Russia and Brazil.
If you're looking for a silicon mining company to invest in, here are a few of the biggest options.
When it comes to producing iron, Australia is the largest producer in the world. They are closely followed by Brazil, China, and India.
Here's a quick look at the top iron mines in the world.
Aluminum is a versatile material that's useful in many industries. Vietnam is a major exporter of aluminum followed by Kazakhstan, Canada, and the United States of America.
If you want to invest in aluminum, here are your best options.
The top mining companies in the world have all invested in renewable energy. This includes diversifying production to include key materials that are needed by the sector. This is designed to help ensure that materials such as lithium, cobalt, graphite, and manganese are available.
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