The advancement of electric vehicles and large-scale energy storage owes much to the high power density and mature technology of lithium-ion batteries. Furthermore, smaller rechargeable lithium batteries have become ubiquitous, powering a range of portable electronic devices such as computers and cell phones.

The surging demand for lithium chemicals is driving rapid growth in the industry, yet this growth is accompanied by a concerning rise in costs. While lithium chemicals constitute a minor portion of the overall cost of lithium-ion batteries, their pricing remains relatively insensitive to fluctuations in demand. Recent reports from China indicate lithium carbonate prices exceeding $15,000 per ton, highlighting a shortage of spodumene, a primary source of lithium from hard-rock mining. This scarcity underscores the necessity for new suppliers and bolstering existing industry infrastructure.

The purity of lithium chemicals used in batteries is paramount to prevent malfunctions or hazardous incidents. The process of converting hard rock or lithium brines into usable chemicals necessitates substantial quantities of hazardous materials, demanding meticulous handling and oversight. Robust design and management protocols must be in place throughout the production facility and supply chain to safeguard both the community's well-being and environmental integrity.