US lithium mining projects are not eco-friendly
08/02/2021 / By Divina Ramirez
President Joe Biden has made addressing “climate change” one of his key priorities. That plan entails spending billions of dollars on new lithium mines. Lithium is primarily used to create electric vehicle (EV) batteries because it can store lots of energy and can be repeatedly charged. Lithium is extremely lightweight as well.
But some experts warn that new domestic lithium mining projects could pose a threat to the environment. Aimee Boulanger, executive director for the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA), pointed out that the country’s new clean-energy demands could end up creating greater harm despite good intentions.
The cost of lithium gold
Despite plans to make EVs mainstream, the Biden administration has yet to promote cleaner options to extract lithium. Currently, lithium is extracted from open-pit mines, which could contaminate land and pollute groundwater and surrounding surface water.
https://www.climate.news/2021-08-02-lithium-mining-projects-not-eco-friendly.html
