This paper is the result of mineral exploration engineering. Objective With the development of science and technology, the market demand for green energy mineral resources has been increasing in recent years, and lithium as a core strategic metal resource, related exploration and research has become a hot spot for mineral exploration and geological research. Methods Based on previous research, this paper compares and summarizes the main types, distribution and development and utilization of lithium resources in China according to the principle of statistical analysis. Results Lithium ores in China are mainly classified into hard rock type, brine type and clay type lithium ores. The distribution of lithium resources is relatively concentrated, among which hard rock–type lithium ore is mainly distributed in Sichuan, Jiangxi, Hunan, Xinjiang and other regions, and the salt lake brine–type lithium ore is distributed in Qinghai, Tibet and Hubei and other regions. At present, granite pegmatite lithium ore is an important source of domestic lithium supply because of its high ore grade and easy mining. Brine–type lithium ore has large resources, but the lithium extraction technology is relatively complex; clay–type lithium ore was discovered late and has not been exploited on a large scale, but there is a distribution pattern and realistic demand for lithium resources. Conclusions On the whole, there is an imbalance between supply and demand of lithium resources in China and a high dependence on resource imports. At present, the new energy automobile industry, mobile energy storage technology and the national green energy industry are developing rapidly at home and abroad, and the demand for lithium resources will grow significantly in the long term. In order to gain a say in this global scarce strategic resource, it is necessary to re–evaluate the existing lithium resources in China, map out the resource base, and increase the research and exploration and development of new lithium resources.