Rare metals
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With the massive use of electric batteries, the consumption of metal is exploding and the question arises: can Europe claim independent production? Is this really the best way to go? “Liberation” questions a specialist on the materials of the ecological transition.
White gold at the center of all international desires, lithium is massively used for the manufacture of electric batteries, essential to many of the objects of our daily life. While this metal is today mainly produced in Australia, South America and China, Europe in turn wishes to develop this strategic sector. In France, the Varin report, submitted to the government a few days ago by the boss of Suez, defends the securing of supplies of mineral raw materials.
Economist Emmanuel Hache, from IFP Energies nouvelles (former French Petroleum Institute) and specialist in ecological transition materials, deciphers for Release European possibilities by recalling the importance of moving towards a more sober mode of consumption.
What is lithium and why is it important?
It is the flagship material of lithium-ion batteries, essential for electric cars but also for the manufacture of electronic products such as smartphones and computers. The use of lithium has changed in recent years since in 2010, only 23% of the lithium produced was intended for…