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Mining for lithium — an essential element to power the clean energy transition — can have negative impacts on the environment. Photo: TomTooM03. The race toward net-zero emissions depends heavily on lithium — to power electric vehicles, to store wind and solar power.
The energy used by mining machinery creates climate pollution like carbon dioxide, which warms the planet. A 2021 study found that lithium concentration and production from brine can create about 11 tons of carbon dioxide per ton of lithium, while mining lithium from spodumene ore releases about 37 tons of CO 2 per ton of lithium produced. 5
In this Review, we analyse the environmental impacts of evaporitic and alternative technologies, collectively known as direct lithium extraction (DLE), for lithium mining, focusing on...
A sustainable low-carbon transition via electric vehicles will require a comprehensive understanding of lithium-ion batteries’ global supply chain environmental impacts. Here, we analyze the cradle-to-gate energy use and greenhouse gas emissions of current and future nickel-manganese-cobalt and lithium-iron-phosphate battery technologies.
Like all forms of mining, lithium extraction and processing comes with a number of concerning social and ecological impacts. These include pollution, water depletion, loss of biodiversity, threats to human rights, nonmining livelihoods, and Indigenous sovereignty and cultural integrity.
Mining for lithium, a key component of batteries used in electric vehicles, has significant environmental impacts. However, both consumer demand and a desire to reduce dependence on imports are leading the U.S. toward expansion of lithium mining.
The demand for lithium for EV batteries is driving a mining boom in an arid Andes region of Argentina, Chile, and Bolivia, home to half the world’s reserves. Hydrologists are warning the mines could drain vital ecosystems and deprive Indigenous communities of precious water.
“The world is increasingly relying on lithium for the green-energy transition, but previous studies on the environmental effects of hard-rock lithium mining show mixed results,” Vengosh said. “This study provides new, important data to clarify the possible environmental impacts."
These models aim to minimize waste, enhance resource efficiency, and reduce the overall environmental impact of lithium production and use. Circular practices can extend the lifespan of lithium-based products and materials.
The discourse surrounding the environmental impacts of lithium mining and recycling is often distorted by the dominance of political and industrial interests. With independent scientific research not being widely shared, public opinion is largely shaped by corporate messaging and media coverage, both of which face limited scrutiny.