Electric Cars and the Future of Lithium Mining in Europe
The push towards sustainable energy through the adoption of electric cars and green energy has put a spotlight on the need for stable and secure supply chains for critical raw materials like lithium. The continent currently produces less than 1 percent of the world’s supply of lithium, with China processing 56 percent and most of the rest taking place in Chile. However, recent developments indicate that there is renewed interest in lithium mining in Europe, which could lead to a steady supply of this critical raw material in the future.
Portugal Approves One of Europe’s First Large-Scale Lithium Mines
Savannah Resources, listed in London, received a positive environmental impact statement from Portugal’s regulator for the Barroso lithium mine. The mine aims to produce enough lithium for 500,000 electric cars per year. This is an essential step in securing a stable supply of lithium for Europe’s electric car industry, given that the demand for lithium in Europe is projected to rise fourfold to account for a quarter of global demand by 2030, according to Benchmark Mineral Intelligence.
Europe’s Struggle to Develop a Drums Raw Material Supply Chain
Obtaining permits has been a significant issue preventing Europe from developing a sustainable raw material supply chain for its electric car industry. However, the Savannah lithium project could be a test of whether or not the region may overcome its recent history of opposing mining. The EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act, introduced in March, aims to streamline permitting processes for mining companies and reduce dependence on China and other nations for key minerals for electric vehicles and green energy such as lithium, cobalt, and graphite.
Protests by Local Community Groups
However, opposition to the mine from local community groups is a concern. United in defense of Covas do Barroso, a local community group, opposes the project and says it “condemned” the decision and was “dismayed” by its acceptance due to the potentially “devastating” ecological, environmental, and socio-economic impacts. Regulatory authorities have issued certain conditions that Savannah must meet to obtain the final stages of the license to operate the mine.
Europe’s Efforts towards Lithium Refining
Moreover, Europe is attempting to reduce dependence on foreign countries for critical raw materials and is spearheading projects like two refinery developments led by the consortium of Norwegian battery company Northvolt and Portuguese energy company Galp and another including Portugal’s largest chemical company Bondalti.
Rio Tinto’s Lithium Mining License Revoke in Serbia
Last year, the Serbian government revoked Rio Tinto’s licenses for lithium mining at Serbia’s $2.4 billion Jadar mine, which is Europe’s largest planned lithium mine, after months of widespread protests. The protestors were concerned with how the project might impact nearby villages, ancient Roman ruins, and agricultural land.
New Lithium Start-up Pumps Lithium to the Surface via Geothermal Wells
Separately, Lithium startup Vulcan recently announced it would supply geothermal power to one of Stellantis’ French auto plants to mine lithium in the process. Vulcan’s technology pumps lithium to the surface through geothermal wells.
Expanding Lithium Mining in Europe
The approval of the Barroso lithium mine in Portugal is a significant development in Europe’s efforts to secure its supply chain for critical raw materials. However, there is much more to be done to establish a reliable and sustainable lithium mining and refinement industry in Europe. Here are some advances that could pave the way for a stable and secure supply of lithium in the region:
Research and Development of Lithium Recycling
Recycling of Lithium-ion batteries is necessary to recover valuable metals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese. The recycling of lithium batteries is still in its infancy, but it could significantly reduce pressure on virgin reserves.
Investment in New Technologies and Alternative Materials
Alternative materials like solid-state batteries could revolutionize the market by increasing energy density and reducing flammability. Several companies are making significant investments to develop large-scale production of solid-state batteries that will be more effective and efficient than existing lithium-ion batteries.
Boosting Investment in Lithium Mines in Europe
Europe will need to rely on its home-grown resources to reduce dependence on foreign sources. The lithium sector is an area that provides an opportunity for Europe to develop a sustainable and competitive mining industry.
Strengthening Collaboration between Governments and the Private Sector
Governments and the private sector need to work together to create policies that support the growth of the lithium market. An essential aspect of this collaboration is the development of the infrastructure necessary to facilitate the mining, transport, and refining of lithium.
Summary
The approval of the Barroso lithium mine is an important development in Europe’s efforts to secure its supply chain for critical raw materials. The continent currently produces less than 1 percent of the world’s supply of lithium, with China processing 56 percent and most of the rest taking place in Chile. However, recent developments indicate that there is renewed interest in lithium mining in Europe, which could lead to a steady supply of this critical raw material in the future. Europe’s efforts towards lithium refining and increasing investment in lithium mines will go a long way in reducing dependence on foreign sources. Additionally, collaboration between governments and the private sector to create policies that support the growth of the lithium market is necessary for its success.
—————————————————-
| Article | Link |
|---|---|
| UK Artful Impressions | Premiere Etsy Store |
| Sponsored Content | View |
| 90’s Rock Band Review | View |
| Ted Lasso’s MacBook Guide | View |
| Nature’s Secret to More Energy | View |
| Ancient Recipe for Weight Loss | View |
| MacBook Air i3 vs i5 | View |
| You Need a VPN in 2023 – Liberty Shield | View |
Europe’s electric car industry has received a significant boost in its efforts to secure raw material supplies after Portuguese authorities greenlit what will be one of the continent’s first large-scale lithium mines.
Listed in London Savannah resources Portugal’s regulator has issued a positive environmental impact statement for its Barroso lithium mine, which aims to produce enough lithium for 500,000 electric cars a year, said Wednesday.
Lithium demand in Europe it’s projected to rise fourfold to account for a quarter of global demand by 2030, but the region currently produces less than 1 percent of the world’s supply, according to Benchmark Mineral Intelligence.
Obtaining permits has been a key issue preventing Europe from developing a drums raw material supply chain. The Savannah project was seen as a test of whether the region might be about to overcome its recent history of opposing mining.
“This is an extremely important step forward, not only in the development of the project, but also in the development of the lithium feedstock industry in Portugal,” said Dale Ferguson, chief executive officer of Savannah.
United in defense of Covas do Barroso, a local community group that opposes the project said it “condemned” the decision and was “dismayed” by its acceptance given the potentially “devastating” ecological, environmental and socio-economic impacts .
Savannah shares rose 22% Wednesday after the decision.
The company first presented its environmental impact assessment three years ago. The regulator’s decision allows it to proceed with economic studies and undertake the final stages of the license over the next year. It aims for first production before mid-2026.
Under the terms of the decision, it must meet certain conditions such as limiting the removal of vegetation to certain months of the year.
The Barroso mine aims to produce 200,000 tons of spodumene concentrate from lithium-containing rocks, which will be processed into lithium for batteries at a refinery Savannah hopes is located in Portugal.
The EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act, which was introduced in March, established the European Commission’s goal to streamline permitting processes for mining companies and reduce the region’s dependence on China and other nations for key minerals for electric vehicles and green energy such as lithium, cobalt and graphite.
China check out 56%. of lithium processing, with much of the rest taking place in Chile.
Europe is trying to change that through local projects, including two refinery developments led by a consortium of Norwegian battery company Northvolt and Portuguese energy company Galp and another including Portugal’s largest chemical company Bondalti.
Last year, the Serbian government revoked Rio Tinto’s licenses for lithium mining at Serbia’s $2.4 billion Jadar mine, Europe’s largest planned lithium mine, after months of widespread protests. .
Separately on Wednesday, lithium start-up Vulcan announced it would supply geothermal power to one of Stellantis’ French auto plants in hopes of mining the lithium in the process. Vulcan’s technology is to pump lithium to the surface via geothermal wells.
Additional reporting by Patricia Nilsson
https://www.ft.com/content/134d5248-d001-44fe-9a67-0d01361c0da3
—————————————————-