The United States has taken a decisive step to secure its lithium supply by acquiring a 5% stake in Lithium Americas Corp and its Thacker Pass joint venture with General Motors, the largest lithium source in the Western Hemisphere. Global lithium production has surged nearly tenfold since 2015, rising from 31,500 metric tonnes to 82,500 tonnes in 2020 and reaching 290,000 tonnes in 2025. The lithium‑battery market exceeded $150 billion in 2025, a 20% jump from 2024. China dominates production and refining, expected to supply 32% of global output domestically and 18% from overseas by 2027, while controlling 81% of refining activity. South America holds about 53% of the world’s lithium reserves, with Bolivia, Argentina, Chile and Peru together holding 67% of proven reserves and producing roughly half of the global supply. The United States, meanwhile, produces less than 1% of the world’s lithium, while Canada’s output sits at 6,000 tonnes versus Australia’s 88,000 tonnes. The Department of Energy’s 5% stake in Lithium Americas Corp and the Thacker Pass joint venture is part of a broader push to boost domestic mining and reduce reliance on foreign sources. In Canada, a company called Piepgrass is testing a laboratory‑derived solvent for direct lithium extraction at scale. In the United Kingdom, a mine in Cornwall operated by Cornish Lithium is being developed with strict environmental permits and a focus on sustainable practices. “Batteries are becoming a cornerstone of the automotive sector, a critical source of flexibility for power systems, and an increasingly important source of back‑up power for digital infrastructure, including data centres and artificial intelligence,” said the International Energy Agency. “Despite having some of the largest deposits, the United States produces less than 1% of the global supply of lithium. Thanks to President Trump’s bold leadership, American lithium production is going to skyrocket,” said Energy Secretary Chris Wright. He added that the move is aimed at reducing U.S. dependence on foreign adversaries for critical minerals by strengthening domestic supply chains. Looking ahead, the United Kingdom plans to develop a lithium mine in Cornwall operated by Cornish Lithium , while Canada explores direct lithium extraction in Alberta. European projects are also emerging, and sustainable mining practices—such as electric trucks and by‑product utilization—are expected to play a key role in meeting decarbonisation goals.