The Minerals In New Energy

New research exposes extent of mineral demand for renewable energy technologies

April 18, 2019 (PhysOrg)

“The growing demand for minerals and metals to build the electric vehicles, solar arrays, wind turbines and other renewable energy infrastructure necessary to meet the ambitious goals of the Paris Climate Agreement could outstrip current production rates for key metals by as early as 2022, according to new research…[The study] shows that as demand for minerals such as lithium and rare earths skyrockets, the already significant environmental and human impacts of hardrock mining are likely to rise steeply as well…[It calls] for a broad shift in the clean technologies sector towards more responsible minerals sourcing…Doing so will require a concerted commitment from businesses and governments…Under a 100 percent renewable energy scenario, metal requirements could rise dramatically, requiring new primary and recycled sources…

click to enlarge

Clean technologies rely on a variety of minerals, principally cobalt, nickel, lithium, copper, aluminum, silver and rare earths. Cobalt, lithium and rare earths are the metals of most concern for increasing demand and supply risks…Batteries for electric vehicles are the most significant driver of accelerated minerals demand…Recycled sources can significantly reduce primary demand, but new mining is likely to take place and new mining developments linked to renewable energy are already underway…Responsible sourcing is needed when supply cannot be met by recycled sources…Minerals extraction already exacts significant costs on people and the environment, fuelling conflict and human rights violations, massive water pollution and wildlife and forest destruction…” click here for more

click to enlarge

Tweet