Geopolitical and Infrastructural Dynamics of Lithium Extraction in the Global Green Energy Transition
Abstract The global transition toward green energy and the proliferation of electric vehicles (EVs) have established lithium as a critical strategic mineral. However, the pursuit of a "completely green" energy paradigm is fundamentally constrained by complex geopolitical friction, supply chain vulnerabilities, and infrastructural bottlenecks. This paper analyzes the role of lithium in EV and energy storage production, examines the emerging economic warfare between the United States and China over pricing power and supply chain dominance, and evaluates the on-the-ground realities of global lithium extraction. Drawing exclusively on recent industry data, this study highlights the paradox of green energy: achieving decarbonization requires intensive, geopolitically fraught mining operations spanning from Zimbabwe’s processing mandates to the high-risk security environments of the Sahel. Keywords —Lithium, Electric Vehicles (EVs), Geopolitics, Supply Chain Security, Critical Mi...