In the heart of Brazil, a groundbreaking study is shedding light on the environmental footprint of lithium production, a critical component in the global shift towards renewable energy. Marisa Nascimento, a researcher at the Centre for Mineral Technology—CETEM/MCTI in Rio de Janeiro, has quantified the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the mining and processing of lithium concentrate, offering valuable insights for the energy sector.
Lithium, a key element in rechargeable batteries, is in high demand as the world accelerates its transition to electric vehicles and renewable energy storage. However, the environmental impact of lithium production has been a subject of growing concern. Nascimento’s study, published in the journal *Mining*, aims to fill a significant gap in our understanding of the global warming potential (GWP100) associated with lithium mining and processing in Brazil.
The study estimates that the production of one ton of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) in mineral concentrate contributes approximately 1220 kg of CO2eq to global warming. This figure includes both foreground processes, such as mining and beneficiation, and background processes, like the production of inputs such as ammonium nitrate, used in mining explosives.
“One of the most striking findings was the significant contribution of ammonium nitrate production to the overall emissions,” Nascimento explains. “This highlights the importance of considering the entire supply chain when assessing the environmental impact of lithium production.”
The study also explores the potential for reducing these emissions through the use of renewable energy sources. By substituting conventional electricity with wind or solar power, the estimated global warming impact could be reduced by 22.7% and 14.7%, respectively. This finding underscores the potential for renewable energy to play a dual role in both powering the energy transition and reducing the environmental impact of the materials that enable it.
For the energy sector, these findings are particularly relevant. As the demand for lithium continues to grow, so too does the need for sustainable and responsible production practices. Nascimento’s research provides a crucial benchmark for evaluating the environmental performance of lithium production in Brazil and offers a roadmap for reducing its greenhouse gas emissions.
“The energy sector is at the forefront of the transition to a low-carbon economy,” Nascimento notes. “By understanding and addressing the environmental impacts of lithium production, we can ensure that this transition is both sustainable and responsible.”
As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, studies like Nascimento’s are more important than ever. By providing a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the environmental impacts of lithium production, this research can help guide the development of policies and practices that promote sustainable and responsible energy production.
In the rapidly evolving landscape of the energy sector, understanding the environmental footprint of critical materials like lithium is essential. Nascimento’s work not only advances our knowledge in this area but also highlights the potential for renewable energy to drive down emissions across the supply chain. As the energy transition gathers pace, the insights from this study will be invaluable in shaping a sustainable and responsible future for the sector.