New insights deepen knowledge of WA's geology.
Groundbreaking research by the Geological Survey of Western Australia (GSWA), Curtin University and the University of Western Australia has revealed new insights into how high-grade lithium deposits form.
These findings, recently published in Communications Earth & Environment , could help guide the next wave of mineral exploration in WA and beyond.
The research comes amid soaring demand for lithium - a key component of rechargeable batteries used in electric vehicles, solar energy storage and other green technologies. Global lithium production is struggling to keep up, driving efforts to discover new sources.
Western Australia already supplies around 35 per cent of the world's lithium - more than 1.5 times that of the next-largest producer, Chile. Much of this comes from pegmatite, a coarse-grained rock commonly found in WA's Archean terrains-ancient, stable, and often mineral-rich regions over 2.5 billion years old, like those in the Pilbara and Yilgarn.
While most hard-rock lithium is sourced from similar formations, many existing exploration models are based on younger geological settings. GSWA's research challenges these assumptions, as they may not apply to WA's ancient crust.
The new findings suggests that Archean lithium systems follow distinct rules and require a unique set of geological features for the formation of these deposits.
This shift in understanding comes at a critical time, with lithium demand continuing to accelerate, meaning GSWA and its university partners' work could play a key role in reshaping exploration strategies across the State.
GSWA Executive Director Michele Spencer said the research was a powerful testament to the dedication of the GSWA team.
"Our findings provide fundamental insights that not only deepen our knowledge of WA's geology but also strengthen the State's position as a global leader in lithium exploration," Ms Spencer said.
"It's especially pleasing to see the work published in Communications Earth & Environment, a high-profile journal from the internationally respected Nature publishing group, which helps us share these insights with a global audience."
As part of the Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration, GSWA plays a central role in advancing mineral exploration across the State - providing industry with essential data, innovative research and the geological insights needed to fuel the clean energy future.
