The European Union (EU) can reduce its dependence on lithium imports to produce batteries by 2030 with 28 mining, refining and integration projects underway, thus meeting 53% of production demand extracted and achieving potential self-sufficiency in processed lithium, according to a report by the European Transport and Environment Federation (T&E).
The organization’s study maintains that Europe has significant potential to produce lithium, but concentration is needed and appropriate policies to develop it sustainably.
T&E explains that as a critical element in all lithium-ion battery chemistries, whether ‘NMC’ (Nickel Manganese Cobalt), ‘LFP’ (Lithium Iron Phosphate) or others, Lithium will be needed in electric vehicle batteries for a long time and global lithium demand is projected to more than double, reaching 2.5 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) by 2030.
Chile, Australia, Argentina and China represent 80% of the world’s known lithium reserves, so the EU is a net importer of lithium and obtains lithium carbonate and hydroxide mainly from Chile, China and the United States.
Although Australia, China and Chile currently dominate lithium extraction and processing is concentrated in China, by 2030 other countries in the American continent, Africa and Europe will play an increasingly important role in the market (representing 37% of global extracted production and 24% of refined production in 2030).
Additionally, lithium production carries a carbon and water footprint, depending on the source, region, and process implemented. A recent life cycle assessment (LCA) by Minviro, commissioned by T&E, examined the carbon and water intensity of the production of lithium hydroxide monohydrate for nickel-based lithium-ion batteries.
The study analyzes six different production operations (existing and future) in Germany, Portugal, Australia and China.
Lithium extraction in Germany generates 83% less impact
Among the conclusions of this study is that direct lithium extraction (DLE) from geothermal brine in Germany stands out as the most ecological, generating 83% fewer emissions than the most carbon-intensive method, extracting lithium from hard rock mica in China.
Spodumene-based production in Australia and Portugal has a moderate impact due to high energy demand processesalthough Portugal performs better thanks to a cleaner energy mix.
Furthermore, mica production in Germany and direct lithium extraction (DLE) from geothermal brine have relatively low direct water use, which is supported by the low water scarcity factor in Germany.
When comparing the brines, DLE is 50% less water intensive than Chilean brine. The intensity of water use in the spodumena route in Portugal is aggravated by the increased factor of water scarcity in Portugal and the use of reagents (e.g. sulfuric acid).
Mica production in China has the highest water consumption among the routes analyzed, being four times greater than the mica route in Germany and almost three times greater than the DLE route.
Solutions to mitigate environmental impacts of mining
Although life cycle analysis (LCA) highlights the complexity of the environmental impacts of different lithium production routes, there are solutions that can mitigate them.
Carbon footprints can be reduced by using renewable energy, process innovation and efficiency, while impacts on water can be addressed by implementing new technologies such as direct lithium extraction, recovery and recycling technologies, closed loop systems and tailings dewatering techniques.
In arid coastal regions, desalination could be an option if combined with energy efficient technologies and best waste management practicessays the study.
The European Commission must support strategic projects
Finally, the T&E study explains that to increase domestic lithium production in a sustainable manner, the European Commission should support strategic projects within the framework of its Critical Raw Materials Law that employ innovative technologies and respect best emissions practicess, water, waste management and biodiversity.
Furthermore, it indicates that as part of the EU taxonomy for sustainable activities, the European Commission should establish lithium thresholds of “low emissions” to attract private capital; For example, T&E recommends 10 kg CO2e/kg lithium hydroxide monohydrate by 2030.
He also points out that European governments and companies should also accelerate investments in energy technologies efficient and water-saving, that can be exported worldwide.
#Europe #reduce #dependence #imported #lithium #mining #projects
