Batteries Li-Ion : how rare are the raw materials used in Li-Ion batteries?

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A Li-ion battery is composed of an anode a cathode and a separator in an electrolyte. Different kinds of cathode exist, which allow a different energy density, lifetime, thermal stability and specific power performance for the battery. Hence they are used in different applications.

Cathodes contain most critical materials Lithium, Cobalt and Nickel in different proportions

Challenges for Li-ion battery

Raw Materials

• High geographical concentration of extraction: Niobium: 92% of niobium comes from Brazil, 70% of the cobalt  from Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), 71% Graphite from China, 50% Lithium from Australia, 72% of EU demand for Phosphor comes  from Kazakhstan). 
• Resources are sufficient but extraction capacity in the mid-term are limited, especially for Lithium.
• Lithium, Cobalt and Graphite demand is expected to be 90, 18 and 2 times current production, respectively

Processed Materials

• 50-70% of lithium and cobalt are refined in China with Finland, Canada and Norway being the other top suppliers for cobalt. The EU’s refining operations are placed in Finland and Belgium supplying 70% of current domestic demand.
• Components : China is home to 70% and 85% of cathodes and anodes production capacity respectively. Korea and Japan also play a large role. Europe lacks capacity to produce components.