Last summer, Elon Musk went on record describing lithium as ‘the new oil,’ pointing out that the light metallic element now forms a vital link in the automotive industry and supply chain. Lithium is an essential component of modern rechargeable battery technology and is found in everything from smartphones and tablets to laptop computers to electric-powered bicycles and automobiles. Most of the world’s lithium is mined in Australia, Chile, and China. China is also the dominant player in the prod