The global push for electric vehicles (EVs) is largely driven by the urgent need to mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, the environmental footprint of EVs isn’t zero. A significant point of concern, particularly for critics, is the environmental impact of lithium mining for electric vehicle batteries. While crucial for the energy transition, it’s essential to put this impact into perspective when compared to the well-documented, catastrophic effects of fossil fuels.
The Environmental Impact of Lithium Mining
Lithium, a critical component of most EV batteries, is primarily extracted through two main methods:
- Hard-rock Mining: This involves traditional open-pit mining to extract lithium-bearing minerals (like spodumene).
- Impacts: Habitat destruction, landscape alteration, dust pollution, large energy consumption (for crushing and processing ore), and waste rock generation. It also requires significant water.
- Brine Extraction (from Salt Flats): Lithium-rich brine is pumped from underground reservoirs and left to evaporate
