The development of new technologies is often connected with
the use of non-renewable resources. In recent years a qualitative
shift in the demand of bulk metals (e.g. Fe, Al, Cu) to more scarce
metals (e.g. Te, Ga, Re) is recognisable. Novel technologies
and products rely more and more on very specific metals which
are indispensable for their function. Although such metals are
generally used in low concentrations in products, the demand
has raised significantly due to mass production. Some of them are
of high importance due to their strategic relevance to emerging
innovative technologies.
Lithium so far has gained relatively little attention, although it
fulfills the main criteria of a strategically relevant metal. In recent
years, however, recognition of lithium increased as a result of the
growing market for lithium-based rechargeable batteries in mobile
information/communication consumer products and in electric
vehicles. Both areas of demand led to a skyrocketed use of lithium
in recent years.
Other technologies in the future like fusion power generation will
raise lithium consumption at an accelerated rate. It is therefore
necessary to determine the availability of lithium in the medium
and long term in order to prevent technology failures and to ensure
a more sustainable development. The authors will provide a wellfounded
knowledge base, outline the availability of worldwide
reserves and resources, and describe the structure of present and
future demands for lithium.