As opposed to clean lithium mining (or cobalt)
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Sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide used in lithium extraction penetrate the soil and water, poisoning ecosystems and endangering species. Research from the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society shows that two flamingo species in Chile are threatened because of lithium mining.
A paradox, therefore, can arise between “clean” revolution and “dirty” lithium mines: it is true that electrifying cars and other aspects of our society favors the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. However, after we consider the cost of emissions associated with extracting lithium, the transition may not be as efficient as we believe, especially when miners are not using clean energy.
Let us consider, for example, electric cars. To give an idea of this effect, producing a battery weighing 1,100 pounds emits
over 70% more carbon dioxide than producing a conventional car in Germany, according to research by the automotive consultancy Berylls Strategy Advisors.
Furthermore, lithium mining requires a lot of water. To extract one ton of lithium requires about
500,000 liters of water, and can result in the poisoning of reservoirs and related health problems.
