I have been collecting and reading about the lithium supply chain (so far, mostly on the extraction and processing) for a little while now for my personal project. I have found resources from consulting companies such as McKinsey very helpful. Mostly because the raising importance of Lithium in global market place.
The science behind how lithium batteries are made is hard for me to understand as someone with not much physics and chemistry background. A few YouTube videos helped me visualize and understand the industrial process.
Thanks Jeff for the list of links!
"How its Made" episodes on batteries, which take you inside the factories a bit:
Typical AA batteries:https://www.youtube.com/live/n1TBAWlbXKI
Lead acid deep cycle: https://www.youtube.com/live/FN1FUmyJpVE
And some other videos:
Panasonic/Tesla cells: https://www.youtube.com/live/NTb3SNtwTjg
LiFePO4 batteries: https://www.youtube.com/live/peeR_ZiXCc8
One step in lots of detail: https://www.youtube.com/live/v7uS9_bUg-E
Pouch cells in a lab: https://www.youtube.com/live/f_OoK_yPVLo
Lithium mining explained: https://www.youtube.com/live/xWpLFUUDTiM
This is Game Changing Tech for Batteries - Lithium Mining Explained
World total lithium supply: 89 million ton
In 2021, almost 90 percent of lithium mining took place in just three countries (Australia, Chile, China).
In Chile: 40% of global supply, brine ponds are 11,000 - 30,000 hectares (27,000 - 74,000 acres)
Bolivia - 15% of global lithium supply, 21 million tons