Much of the issue here is from using, in my opinion, terms that are misleading.
The article defines resources as all known mineral deposits. It defines reserves as resources which are economically extractible.
Here's the issue: when you already have plenty of reserves, you don't go looking for more. None of the charts which detail existing resources and reserves tell you anything about the quantity of lithium which exists on the planet. These numbers are only really useful when mining companies ask themselves "should I prospect for more?"
If mining companies are actively prospecting and not finding enough to fill anticipated needs, then you have a problem. Not before.
The article defines resources as all known mineral deposits. It defines reserves as resources which are economically extractible.
Here's the issue: when you already have plenty of reserves, you don't go looking for more. None of the charts which detail existing resources and reserves tell you anything about the quantity of lithium which exists on the planet. These numbers are only really useful when mining companies ask themselves "should I prospect for more?"
If mining companies are actively prospecting and not finding enough to fill anticipated needs, then you have a problem. Not before.