A Study on potential lithium extraction in Spain

The search for new sources of lithium is crucial to satisfy a demand that is growing exponentially, as a result of its presence in a key element for decarbonization in mobility such as batteries. In this sense, batteries make use of more than 74 % of the total lithium extracted annually, and it is expected to reach 90 % in 2030 and 95 % in 2040. Bearing in mind that 76 % of the world's battery capacity is in the hands of a single country, China, it is essential to seek local sources of supply. In view of this and the leading position of the European Union in international agreements, it is important to characterize the lithium reserves in the member states, given the expected demand in 2040, with 2 Mt of lithium carbonate equivalent, 20 times the demand in 2021. The present work examines the reserves in Spain, inferred mainly in the provinces of Cáceres, Ourense and Pontevedra. The results show multiple advantages in terms of sustainability or environmental impact, based on the present potential in terms of hard rock lithium reserves. The analyzed resources present enough to supply the market with an annual production close to 7 % of that obtained in 2021 at global level.