For the CMI Webinar October 15, 2024, Frank Roberto, Newmont, presented Lithium Ion Batteries: A New Opportunity for Circular Economy and Recycling (an update).
In a recent published article (Roberto and Dunne, 2024, The Bridge, National Academy of Engineering) with the same title, we considered the increasing use of lithium in electric vehicle (EV) batteries-and, to a certain extent, the primary and secondary use of lithium-ion batteries (LiBs) in utility-scale and consumer energy storage-in light of current mineral resources and mining practices, and the impact that the adoption of circular economy principles and practices could have on meeting future demand. Declines in electric vehicle demand on a global scale, coupled with increasing production of lithium, have recently impacted the economic viability of primary lithium production among large international producers, leading to major mines being placed in care and maintenance. Developing alternative battery chemistries also puts expansion of LiB recycling activities at risk. The rapidly changing landscape for increased adoption and efficiency of EV battery recycling will be described along with some recommendations for maintaining momentum towards a circular economy with respect to these important components of vehicle electrification and global decarbonization.