How clean is the nickel and lithium in a battery?
How clean is the nickel and lithium in a battery?
The production of lithium (Li) and nickel (Ni), two key raw materials for batteries, can produce vastly different emissions profiles. This downloadable graphic shows how nickel and lithium mining can significantly impact the environment, depending on the processes used for extraction.
This infographic was produced in partnership with Visual Capitalist
Download the full infographic to gain a visual understanding of how the environmentally responsible practices in the extraction and processing of nickel and lithium are essential to ensure the sustainability of the battery supply chain:
Nickel Emissions Per Extraction Process
Nickel Emissions Per Extraction Process
Nickel is a crucial metal in modern infrastructure and technology, with major uses in stainless steel and alloys. Nickel’s electrical conductivity also makes it ideal for facilitating current flow within battery cells.
Today, there are two major methods of nickel mining:
- From laterite deposits, which are predominantly found in tropical regions. This involves open-pit mining, where large amounts of soil and overburden need to be removed to access the nickel-rich ore.
- From sulphide ores, which involves underground or open-pit mining of ore deposits containing nickel sulphide minerals.
Lithium Emissions Per Extraction Process
Lithium Emissions Per Extraction Process
Lithium is the major ingredient in rechargeable batteries found in phones, hybrid cars, electric bikes, and grid-scale storage systems.
Today, there are two major methods of lithium extraction:
- From brine, pumping lithium-rich brine from underground aquifers into evaporation ponds, where solar energy evaporates the water and concentrates the lithium content. The concentrated brine is then further processed to extract lithium carbonate or hydroxide.
- Hard rock mining, or extracting lithium from mineral ores (primarily spodumene) found in pegmatite deposits. Australia, the world’s leading producer of lithium (46.9%), extracts lithium directly from hard rock.
Why does this matter?
The production of raw materials like lithium and nickel for batteries can have significant environmental implications, with emissions from mining and processing contributing to climate change, air and water pollution, as well as deforestation, habitat destruction and land degradation.
Sustainable and responsible sourcing of raw materials is increasingly crucial for battery manufacturers to comply with regulations, address consumer demands for environmentally friendly products and ensure a sustainable energy future.
Implementing cleaner production techniques, promoting recycling and supporting more environmental practices throughout the supply chain are essential steps towards mitigating these environmental and social impacts.
How can we help?
Our metals and mining product suite offers unparalleled insights into the battery materials industry, helping you understand and mitigate the environmental impact of nickel and lithium mining emissions.
Through market intelligence reports and data, businesses and investors can identify sustainable sourcing opportunities and support cleaner production techniques. Our world-leading environmental impact analysis helps assess mining emissions and develop strategies to minimise their effects. Our expertise in supply chain analysis assists in identifying potential areas for emission reduction and optimising processes.
By leveraging our services, companies can make informed decisions, adhere to changing regulations and work towards reducing the environmental impact of nickel and lithium mining emissions.
To find out more about how we can help you and your business needs, please contact our experts at: contactus@woodmac.com.
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