Lithium Reserves by Country 2025

Countries with the Largest Lithium Reserves

As of 2023, Bolivia is the country with the largest lithium reserves in the world with 23 million tons of lithium in total which is primarily located beneath the Salar de Uyuni salt flat. Despite this vast resource, Bolivia’s lithium production remains minimal, contributing less than 1% to global output.

Argentina has the second-largest lithium reserves in the world with 22 million tons - just behind Bolivia. Situated within the “Lithium Triangle”—a region encompassing parts of Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile—Argentina’s reserves are also primarily located in salt flats, notably the Salar del Hombre Muerto.These two countries lead all the others when it comes to lithium reserves by a large distance.

How Much Lithium Does the USA Have?

When it comes to lithium, according to data from the United States Geological Survey, the United States comes in third for lithium reserves with 14 million tons as of 2023. The amount was thought to be much smaller in the past, but a recent USGS survey of the Smackover formation in Southern Arkansas revealed that it alone may contain 5-19 million tons of lithium – an amount that exceeds global demand by 2030 about ninefold.

That said, in terms of production, the United States produced just 615 metric tons of lithium in 2023. This production level pales in comparison to top producers like Australia (86,000 tons) and Chile (56,530 tons).

Other Countries with Significant Lithium Reserves

Chile ranks fourth in terms of the size of its lithium reserves with a total of 11 million tons. It is interesting to note that three of the top five countries with the largest lithium reserves are located in South America – this is thanks to the “Lithium Triangle” around which they are all situated. One other country that has a formidable amount of lithium reserves is Australia. In total, Australia has 8.7 million tons of lithium reserves.

Why Is Lithium an Important Natural Resource?

When discussing lithium reserves by country, it is also relevant to discuss the importance of lithium itself. Lithium is used in a variety of products, but it is most important in the production of lithium ion batteries.

Such batteries have many applications, including in some electric vehicles. Lithium is also important in the production of batteries for many other devices, such as laptops and cell phones. The demand for lithium is expected to triple by 2025, so lithium looks to remain a valuable natural resource for the foreseeable future.