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The Battery Value Chain
Explore the complete journey of battery production from raw materials to recycling
Click on each stage to learn more about the process
Raw Material Extraction
The battery value chain begins with mining critical minerals from the earth. These materials form the foundation of modern lithium-ion batteries.
Key Materials
- •Lithium: The charge carrier. Found in brines and hard-rock mines. Extracted from brine pools or hard rock mining
- •Cobalt: Ensures cathode stability and longevity. Highly concentrated in the DRC. Primarily mined as a byproduct of copper and nickel
- •Nickel: Increases energy density, allowing EVs to travel further.
- •Manganese: Improves battery stability and safety
- •Graphite: The primary material for the anode.
Top Producers
LithiumAustralia, Chile, China
80%
CobaltDRC, Russia, Australia
90%
NickelIndonesia, Philippines
70%