Beneath the Bottleneck: An R&D and Technology Readiness Review of Lithium and Rare Earth Processing

Meeting climate targets requires an eightfold rise in lithium demand and a doubling of magnet rare earth demand by 2040, according to the International Energy Association. The primary constraint is the midstream processing stages, where China controls 60% to 70% of lithium conversion and more than 85% of rare earth separation.

Many Global South countries and companies within them are trying to expand their processing capability. Yet, many of these actors lack understanding of the latest research, development, and innovation in critical mineral processing.

This first-of-its-kind report maps the production baseline and active research and development across the lithium and rare earth value chains (four processing routes in total) and assigns technology readiness levels to each technology. It distills recommendations for companies and governments to capture value, invest in new technologies, and support technology transfer from the laboratory to the field.

The report was developed in partnership with the Council for Critical Minerals Development in the Global South and SEforALL. It is part of the Nicholas Institute and Energy Access Project’s efforts to support decision-makers in emerging economies to strengthen critical mineral value chains and turn mineral wealth into long-term economic growth, resilient energy systems, and shared prosperity. Nicholas Institute experts are members of the Duke Critical Minerals Hub, which connects Duke scholars across disciplines and industry partners to advance research and education across the critical mineral supply chain.

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For media inquiries, contact the Nicholas Institute communications team at ni-comm@duke.edu.