Potential environmental impacts of lithium mining
Rennie B. Kaunda
Abstract
The unprecedented demand for highly efficient batteries for use in electric vehicles and other electronics has generated an increased demand for lithium-ion batteries. Lithium is highly desirable given its light weight and its ability to store high amounts of energy. Some estimates have pegged the demand for lithium-ion batteries to reach 2.2 million tonnes by 2030. Consequently, the exploitation and mining of lithium has generated much interest from various sectors of industry and society. Although studies on life-cycle assessment of lithium batteries have been conducted, there is a paucity of information regarding the environmental impacts of the mining of the actual lithium raw material. This article aims to explain how lithium mining is conducted and processed, what the mining and chemical issues are, and what the potential environmental impacts are from a technical and mining engineering perspective.