The alliance between SQM and Argonne National Laboratory seeks to generate scientific data that will allow for more accurate measurements of the environmental effects of the lithium production process. This joint work will provide key evidence for moving toward more sustainable and transparent production, as part of the goal of achieving carbon neutrality. Furthermore, this initiative will allow for an in-depth assessment of the environmental impact of lithium from its origin.
A strategic collaboration for lithium sustainability
SQM, a Chilean company and one of the world's largest lithium producers, has established a partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory, a renowned scientific research institution located outside Chicago, Illinois. This innovative collaboration seeks to generate critical information about the lithium production process and its relationship to long-term environmental sustainability.
As lithium becomes established as an essential input for more environmentally friendly products, especially in public transportation, the project focuses on studying SQM's production process with the goal of better understanding the challenges associated with the sustainability of this resource.
A common interest in the development of sustainable batteries
Chile has historically been a leading producer of lithium, a key element in the manufacture of rechargeable batteries. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, batteries account for 65% of global lithium end use. Therefore, both SQM and Argonne, a pioneer in battery research, share a mutual interest in assessing the environmental impacts of their production, particularly the environmental impact of lithium at each stage of the value chain.
Study underway with advanced scientific tools
The formal analysis began in 2023 and is being conducted using the open-source modeling tool GREET (Regulated Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Energy in Technologies), developed by Argonne. This system utilizes detailed data and technical expertise provided by SQM.
Verónica Gautier, Head of Innovation at SQM, explained:
"In line with our sustainability plan, we want to take a closer look at carbon emissions, water consumption, and energy usage in our lithium products, and see how it affects the rest of the value chain. This information will help us achieve our goal of being carbon neutral by 2030."
Expected results and value of the alliance
The results of the study are expected to be published later this year. Jarod Kelly, a life cycle analyst with Argonne's Energy Systems division and project leader, believes the partnership will provide a deeper understanding of the environmental impact of battery production:
“It's very exciting for us because we can be sure that the type of data we're using is appropriate and relevant, and truly cutting-edge. Working directly with an industrial partner like this is incredibly valuable.”
A critical look at electrification
Michael Wang, director of Argonne's Systems Assessment Center and part of the project team, added that this analysis will help address a key question in the global push toward transportation electrification:
“Electrification is often aimed at pursuing environmental sustainability. But we need to know more about lithium battery production before we can say we're truly on a sustainable path, or if we're simply solving one problem but creating another.”
Transparency and access to results
SQM produces lithium in the Salar de Atacama, one of the world's largest reserves, located in northern Chile near the Andes Mountains. Gautier assured that the results of the study will be publicly available:
“It's important to us to have complete transparency into how our process works, and we're excited to leverage Argonne's expertise. Sharing this information will have great educational value.”
In this way, this international collaboration not only promotes the development of cleaner technologies but also provides key scientific input to better understand the environmental impact of lithium and move toward a more responsible industry.
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