lithium 1998 46 1 l ithium by joyce a ober domestic survey data and tables were prepared maria arguelles statistical assistant the world production table was regina r coleman international coordinator with closure of last spodumene mine carbonate plant in north carolina early shift dominance from united states to south america complete chile leading producer two brine operations argentina s single operation completed its first full year large percentage material produced exported replace lost resulting facilities remained value added compounds also consumer despite australia canada zimbabwe important sources ore concentrates because is electrochemically reactive has other unique properties many commercial products are available producers sell as mineral concentrate compound or metal depending on end use most consumed
