2026-06-18 · percent of global lithium mining
Australia, Chile, and China dominate lithium supply
Battery metals concentrate in a few mining jurisdictions.
The energy transition runs on lithium — and nine of every ten tonnes of it are mined in just three countries. In 2026, Australia produces 48% of the world's lithium, Chile 24%, and China 18%, leaving every other nation a combined 10%. For the batteries behind EVs and grid storage, that concentration shapes prices, trade policy, and supply security.
1 cell = 0.1 percent of global lithium mining (0.1% of lithium mine production) · 1,000 cells
Context
The shares come from the U.S. Geological Survey's lithium statistics program, whose Mineral Commodity Summaries is the annual benchmark for mine production by country. The 2026 grid splits global output into Australia at 48%, Chile at 24%, China at 18%, and all remaining producers at 10%.
Concentration cuts both ways: mining at scale in a few jurisdictions keeps costs down, but it leaves battery makers, automakers, and grid-storage builders exposed to policy shifts, permitting fights, and export controls in just three capitals. USGS fact sheets on lithium in batteries and renewable energy underline why those few jurisdictions matter so much.
The USGS also spotlights Nevada's Thacker Pass, part of a broader push to develop lithium supply beyond the big three. For now, though, the geography of mining remains anchored in Australia, Chile, and China.
USGS lithium production shares.
Share and export
Credit this grid as Inagrid — https://inagrid.com/e/2026-06-18-lithium-mine