Lithium

Lithium is a light chemical element, abundantly found on Ained's surface. It holds significant importance for humans as a resource in several areas, ranging from medical to the military. In particular, it was an essential component of the first fusion power plants as a source of helium-3. Its value decreased significantly when the first moon mining facilities were established, since helium-3 was directly mined there.

History

When the first habitats were built, before the Slingshot, they mostly relied on nuclear fission plants for energetic needs. In this period, lithium was mined and shipped from two habitats, Mako-Kinda and Tenala. It was mostly used in batteries and medical applications.
During the 23rd century, corporations resumed experiments with fusion reactors, hoping to reduce dependence on nuclear fuel. With the increasing international demand for lithium, both Mako-Kinda and Tenala owners got progressively richer.
In the following century, the Expropriation Riots ensued. Several habitats, among which Tenala, were destroyed during the wars. This event left Mako-Kinda as the only exporter of lithium, leading to a significant increase in prices.
To solve the monopolization problem, Omegatech funded a partial reconstruction of Tenala. New advances in automation technology allowed Omegatech to rebuild only a small part of the habitat, complete with pressurization and oxygenation, while most of the mining sector was left in its state.
Finally, lithium demand diminished when Omegatech successfully built the first automated mining facilities on the moon. Their goal was to mine helium-3 directly from lunar soil and send it back to Ained. Since lithium was used in fusion reactors as a source of helium-3, it was no more necessary.

Type

Elemental / Molecular