A small patch of the iron-ore rich outback in the north of Western Australia has become ground zero in the global scramble for lithium.

Here, work is accelerating to deliver the world's next major mines to feed the soaring demand for the metal from electric car battery makers.

Almost 60 per cent of supply from planned large projects through about the next five years will be added in Australia, enabling the country - already the world's biggest supplier of lithium - to cement its grip on the market, according to CRU Group.

The biggest mines due to enter production next year are both about 120 kilometres from Port Hedland, the gateway to markets in China.