The Conservative Cave
Current Events => General Discussion => Topic started by: Ptarmigan on August 25, 2022, 06:40:27 PM
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Environmentalists Have Turned On The Lithium Industry
https://oilprice.com/Energy/Energy-General/Environmentalists-Have-Turned-On-The-Lithium-Industry.html
-The global minerals and metals market is expected to explode over the next decade as the energy transition takes place, and lithium is set to lead the way.
-As the lithium industry grows, the environmental concerns associated with it are gaining more attention and could provide a significant headwind for producers.
-The lithium industry will need significant investment if it is to keep up with demand and will need to focus on solving its environmental issues if it is to maintain its current positive image.
The world is preparing for a lithium boom, mainly due to the anticipated increase in EV production and uptake over the coming decades. Several celebrities and tech billionaires are backing lithium mining in a bid to support a green transition. In addition, many countries are rapidly developing their mining capabilities to establish their place in the global minerals and metals market, which is expected to expand significantly over the next decade.
However, environmentalists are concerned with the damage the rapid expansion that mining operations could cause to the environment. In addition, a spate of viral social media posts has brought negative attention to a mineral that the public knows little about, beyond hearing it in the context of lithium-ion batteries. If we are to expect substantial development in the lithium industry in the coming years, greater awareness must be raised around the minerals industry so producers and manufacturers can gain public support and encourage consumer market expansion. Furthermore, mining and energy companies must address environmental concerns to ensure their operations are in line with the aims of a green transition, as countries and companies around the world strive for net-zero and to do less environmental harm.
In 2021, Australia was the biggest miner of lithium, producing 55,000 metric tonnes, with reserves totaling around 5.7 million metric tonnes. It was followed by Chile, which produced 26,000 metric tonnes, China, Argentina, Brazil, Zimbabwe, and Portugal. Although these figures could shift significantly as Chile, Argentina, and Bolivia invest heavily in the development of a lithium triangle in South America.
Lithium demand rises, which means more mining. It uses a lot of water and leaves toxic lakes.
While several prominent public figures are backing lithium mining, such as Tesla CEO Elon Musk, environmentalists around the globe are concerned about what impact the rapid development of the lithium industry may have on the environment. The huge amount of water required in lithium production is concerning for areas without an abundant water supply. Produced on salt flats of Chile, campaigners worry that mining may take vital water resources away from local communities, flora, and fauna. In addition, the artificial ponds used in production leach lithium, which could potentially contaminate community water supplies.
Further, a recent viral social media post showing the bright colors of artificial lithium ponds came with the statement: “This is what your Electric Car batteries are made of. It is so neuro-toxic that a bird landing on this stuff dies in minutes. Take a guess what it does to your nervous system? Pat yourself on the back for saving the environment.” While viral posts criticizing energy operations are no new thing, it is a concern when the public has little knowledge of the energy source, meaning their judgment can be easily swayed. At a time when governments should be educating the public on the importance of a green transition and the types of energy and mineral resources that will be used in that transition, instead, we are seeing an increasing level of misinformation. With the rollout of EVs requiring consumer interest in investing in battery-powered cars instead of ICE vehicles, this is worrying.
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The greenies have been having issues with the Lithium battery industry since cell phones rose in popularity. As much as I hate to say it, they may have a point.
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I'm saying this without hyperbole, some of the crazier among the enviro-crazies want to de-industrialize mankind back to the Stone Age. What the Luddites did in making Sri Lanka go 100% "organic" is a hint of the human destruction they'd gladly bring about.