China Becomes Global Lithium Powerhouse After Major Breakthrough

China is now home to the world’s second-largest lithium reserves, behind only Chile, thanks to a spate of big discoveries. According to the China Geological Survey, China's breakthrough in lithium exploration has boosted its global share of lithium reserves from 6% in 2020 to 16.5% currently, placing it ahead of Australia, Argentina and Bolivia. Since 2021, the country has stepped up efforts in lithium exploration, helping to uncover 30 million metric tons of new lithium ore in places such as Sichuan, Qinghai and Jiangxi provinces. China…