USGS maps two routes to expanding lithium supply
Its 2026 mineral summary tracks exploration for lithium in brines and in hard-rock deposits.
The US Geological Survey puts measured and indicated lithium resources worldwide at about 150 million tonnes in its 2026 mineral commodity summary. Its survey lists projects exploring both lithium-rich brines and mineral deposits.
Brine-based prospects are in development or exploration in countries including Argentina, Bolivia and Chile. Mineral-based projects are found across a wider set of countries that includes Australia, Brazil, Canada and Finland.
The resource estimate describes lithium identified through geological work. Developing a commercial operation also depends on factors such as processing, infrastructure and costs. The survey reports reserves and annual mine production separately.