According to a report from Mining.com,the United States Geological Survey (USGS') released preliminary statistics showing that global lithium production from mines was 100,000 tons in 2021 (excluding the United States), an increase of 21% from 82,500 tons the previous year.

USGS believes thatthe increase in production is mainly due to strong demand in the lithium-ion battery market and rising lithium prices.

Global lithium consumption in 2021 is estimated to be 93,000 tons, a 33% increase from 70,000 tons in 2020.

"Lithium supply security has become the biggest concern for technology companies in Asia, Europe, and the United States", USGS pointed out in its latest report.

Four lithium mines in Australia, two brine lithium mines each in Argentina and Chile, and two brine lithium and one hard rock lithium mine in China are among the top producers.

Additionally, small mines in Brazil, China, Portugal, the United States, and Zimbabwe are also major sources of global lithium production.

Last month, the price of lithium carbonate in China tracked by Asian Metal reached a new high, with statistics showing that the number of electric vehicle registrations in China increased by 35% month-on-month in December last year.

Data from the China Automotive Technology and Research Center shows that nearly 400,000 electric vehicles were registered in December, with Tesla vehicles accounting for 18%.

Ganfeng Lithium, which signed a long-term supply agreement with Tesla in November 2021, revealed that the company's profits increased by 437% last year, driven by the rapid development of the electric vehicle industry.