Various project ramp-ups set to boost global lithium output in 2026

Global lithium accumulation is estimated to person accrued importantly by 19.7% successful 2025 to scope 338,300 tonnes (t), supported by rising output from emerging producers specified arsenic Zimbabwe, Mali, and Argentina, alongside incremental maturation from established producers, including China and Chile.

Looking up to 2026, planetary lithium output is expected to summation further by 15.0% to scope 389,100t, chiefly supported by continued proviso maturation from Argentina, Australia, China, Mali, and Zimbabwe.

Argentina’s lithium output is projected to summation importantly by 42.5% successful 2026 to 35,700t, driven by the continued ramp-up of the recently commissioned projects specified arsenic the 3Q task (September 2025), Mariana (February 2025), and Salar de Centenario–Ratones (December 2024). This maturation momentum volition beryllium further supported by the planned start-up of the Hombre Muerto West excavation and Sal de Oro Phase II, some of which are presently nether construction.

China’s lithium excavation output is expected to summation further by 16.9% to 68,500t successful 2026. This maturation volition beryllium underpinned by the continued ramp-up of the Lakkor Tso and Lijiagou projects, which commenced operations successful 2025, on with ongoing expansions astatine the Xiangyuan mine.

Australia’s lithium output is expected to grounds a stronger rebound successful 2026, with accumulation projected to turn by 6% to scope 120,300t. This maturation volition beryllium driven chiefly by operational enhancements and capableness expansions astatine cardinal mining sites. A large contributor volition beryllium the Kathleen Valley project, which completed its phased modulation from open-pit mining to a afloat underground cognition connected 21 December 2025, and is present ramping up accumulation arsenic planned. This modulation is aimed astatine targeting higher-grade ore, improving operating margins, and enhancing semipermanent operational ratio and sustainability.

Mali emerged arsenic a caller lithium shaper successful 2025, with archetypal commercialized output from the Goulamina and Bougouni lithium projects successful Q1 2025. These projects are expected to underpin sustained accumulation maturation done 2035. The country’s lithium output is estimated to summation to 17,000t successful 2026 from an estimated 11,300t successful 2025, driven by the ongoing ramp-up of some projects.

Zimbabwe is estimated to nutrient 41,900t successful 2026 from an estimated 37,600t successful 2025, underpinned by the continued ramp-up of the Kamativi mine, which commenced accumulation successful 2024, and further output from the Arcadia and Zulu projects.

Global lithium accumulation is expected to turn by a compound yearly maturation complaint (CAGR) of 8.2% implicit the forecast play (2026-2035) to scope 792,800t by 2035.