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https://freedium.cfd/https://medium.com/enrique-dans/solving-the-lithium-question-will-facilitate-sustainable-electrification-0d3f238d8782>
"Among the steps being taken toward creating a more sustainable future is the
transition away from the internal combustion engine to electric vehicles, which
for the moment is critically dependent on lithium. As a mainstay of modern
batteries, though not necessarily those of the future, the role of lithium and
its procurement has become a subject of intense innovation, discussion and
controversy, ranging from those who argue it is toxic — mistakenly — and mined
under highly exploitative conditions, to those who, better informed, understand
that by its very nature, it provides a better working base than fossil fuels.
An analysis of this complex narrative should begin by pointing out that
whatever the doomsayers claim, the planet has far more lithium than we need and
can be extracted reasonably cheaply, using techniques that range from mining —
an activity we have carried out since the dawn of time, the electrification of
which aims to make it increasingly sustainable — to cheaper methods with less
environmental impact such as direct extraction from salt mines, brine and
groundwater. This innovative method could revolutionize the industry and align
mining practices with environmental values, combining the need for resources
with a commitment to sustainability.
Lithium is therefore a reasonably abundant element, albeit one that is not
directly accessible. If we are to expand extraction, we must use it
responsibly. It is not just a matter of finding more lithium, as is happening:
it is also a matter of optimizing its use, a perspective that introduces a
crucial element of efficiency and sustainability. That said, lithium can be
recycled to make new batteries: the fact that this was not done with cell
phones because their low content made it uneconomical, does not mean that it is
not being done with larger batteries such as those for electric vehicles. It is
important to understand that, however we look at it, manufacturing electric car
batteries requires far fewer raw materials and releases far fewer pollutants
than operating diesel and petrol vehicles do.
At the same time, lithium prices have been falling recently, reflecting greater
abundance than expected, and resulting in increasingly affordable battery
prices and, therefore, EVs. In addition to there being more lithium than we
thought, a significant amount is found in deposits that allow relatively simple
and unaggressive exploitation using innovative technologies."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
