Geopolitical risks and the US-China tensions pose threats on the global lithium supply chain, according to a new report by Fitch Solutions.

The BrineMine project is developing strategies to extract lithium, cesium and gold directly in geothermal power plants.

Oxford researchers say it is possible to extract copper, gold, zinc, silver and lithium from brines trapped in porous rocks at depths of 2 kilometres below dormant volcanoes.

The new methods involve retrieving parts of the battery so they can be reused, which can drastically cut costs and carbon emissions.

The US largest automaker is investing “multi millions” in a lithium project poised to become the country's largest by 2024.