Spodumene is the dominant hard-rock source of lithium chemicals, feeding hydroxide and carbonate used in batteries, ceramics, and greases. Production is concentrated in open-pit pegmatite mines, with Australia leading output alongside emerging volumes from Africa and selective operations in North America and South America. Typical flowsheets involve three stages: (1) mining and crushing; (2) dense-media separation and flotation to produce 5.0–6.0% Li₂O concentrate; and (3) either export of concentrate or on-site conversion (calcination/roasting, leaching) into lithium salts. Orebody geometry, strip ratios, and the ability to maintain consistent concentrate grade and recovery are the core cost drivers. Power and natural gas for calcination, reagent consumption (collectors, depressants), and wear parts determine processing costs; logistics to chemical converters or ports often define delivered economics, especially for inland pits. As new mines ramp, learning-curve effects improve plant availability and lower unit costs over time, but variability in gangue minerals can cause grade dilution or recovery penalties that affect revenue.