Answer:
The process is less expensive.
Step-by-step explanation:
Lithium is an element valuable for the production of glass, aluminum products, and batteries. It is mined from ores of petalite (LiAl(Si2O5)2, lepidolite K(Li, Al)3(Al, Si, Rb)4O10(F, OH)2, spodumene LiAl(SiO3)2 and also subsurface brines. Australia and Chile are the world's largest producers of lithium.