Lithium brine extraction Vs spodumene mining

[Sparty]

All of Australia’s current Li resources and production are from lithium minerals,
chiefly spodumene, though other Li-bearing minerals such as lepidolite are also present.

These mineral deposits typically have average grades of 1 to 3% Li2O and are commonly associated with tin, and especially, tantalum (Ta) mineralisation. Nearly all of Australia’s resources are associated with granite pegmatites of Archean age, found within the Pilbara and Yilgarn cratons of Western Australia. https://www.ga.gov.au/scientific-top...eviews/lithium

N.B. Gemini: Pegmatites are ?
Pegmatites are a special type of igneous rock known for their giant crystals. Imagine granite, but instead of the usual medium-sized grains, pegmatites contain interlocking crystals that can be over a centimeter (think about the width of your pinky finger) in size, and sometimes even exceeding a meter (over 3 feet!) [Wikipedia, Pegmatite].

Here's a breakdown of pegmatites:

Giant crystals: This is their defining feature. The term "pegmatite" itself is based on this texture, not the mineral makeup [Geology.com, Pegmatite: Igneous Rock].

Composition: While most pegmatites resemble granite in composition, rich in quartz, feldspar, and mica, there can be variations. Pegmatites can also be found with a composition similar to other igneous rocks like gabbro or syenite [Wikipedia, Pegmatite].

Formation: Pegmatites form during the final stages of magma crystallization. As the magma cools and crystallizes, some rare elements get concentrated in the remaining liquid. This leftover liquid, enriched with these uncommon elements, can form the giant crystals we see in pegmatites [Geology.com, Pegmatite: Igneous Rock].

Valuable minerals: Due to the presence of these rare elements, pegmatites can be a source of valuable minerals not typically found in abundance elsewhere. Some examples include spodumene (a lithium ore) and beryl (an ore of beryllium) [Geology.com, Pegmatite: Igneous Rock].