Although lithium markets vary by location, global end-use markets were estimated as follows: batteries, 80%; ceramics and glass, 7%; lubricating greases, 4%; continuous casting mold flux powders, 2%; air treatment, 1%; medical, 1%; and other uses, 5%. Lithium consumption for batteries increased significantly in recent years because rechargeable lithium batteries have been used extensively in the growing market for electric vehicles and portable electronic devices, and increasingly have been used in electric tools, and grid storage applications. Lithium minerals were used directly as ore concentrates in ceramics and glass applications.