The secondary research process involved comprehensive analysis of regulatory databases, industry publications, mining and chemical processing journals, energy sector reports, and authoritative government and international organizations. Key sources included the US Geological Survey (USGS), International Energy Agency (IEA), US Department of Energy (DOE), European Commission Directorate-General for Energy, China Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), Australian Bureau of Statistics, Chilean Ministry of Mining, Argentina Secretary of Mining, International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), International Battery Association, US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), International Organization for Standardization (ISO), World Bank Commodity Markets, OECD Trade Statistics, UN Comtrade Database, BP Statistical Review of World Energy, Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, S&P Global Commodity Insights, Fastmarkets, Asian Metal, and national geological surveys from key lithium-producing nations (Australia, Chile, Argentina, China).
Market landscape analysis for battery-grade and industrial-grade lithium hydroxide across batteries, ceramic glass, lubricant grease, and air conditioning applications; data on electric vehicle adoption; projections for battery demand; pricing trends; regulatory frameworks for critical minerals; and data on lithium reserves and production were gathered from these sources.