By Juan Ignacio Guzmán, General Manager of GEM and adjunct associate professor at the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile.
The role of lithium in sustainable electromobility
Lithium has become one of the key metals for electromobility. Where this lithium comes from is fundamental, since the rationale behind the push for electromobility is to generate more sustainable technologies. Therefore, it is crucial that the lithium used is produced not only with high environmental standards, but also within an appropriate economic and social context.
The automotive industry has begun to understand that metals cannot be considered commodities when it comes to sustainability. It now understands that the main driver motivating consumers to switch to electric vehicles is the growing concern for the environment and the social dimensions associated with this transition.
Recent criticisms and the need for a comprehensive view
Recently, there has been criticism regarding the sustainability of lithium produced in Chile, especially concerning its extraction from the Atacama Salt Flat. This criticism reflects not only a lack of understanding of the production process but also a biased view that fails to comprehensively consider the three dimensions of sustainability: economic, environmental, and social.
Economic sustainability: a highly competitive resource
In economic terms, it is widely known that the Atacama Salt Flat is considered the most competitive lithium deposit in the world. Its high lithium concentration and natural conditions allow for efficient production with unique comparative advantages.
Environmental sustainability: high standards and a smaller water footprint
In environmental terms, Chile meets high international standards. Furthermore, the two companies that extract lithium in the Atacama Salt Flat are listed on the New York Stock Exchange, which entails strict regulations regarding quality, monitoring, control, and transparency in fulfilling environmental commitments.
One of the most frequent questions concerns water usage. However, the production process in the Atacama Salt Flat uses the resource rationally and efficiently, resulting in a water consumption and footprint that is approximately half of that required to produce lithium from spodumene ore (mainly in Australia and China).
Social sustainability: institutions and human rights
Regarding the social component, few lithium-producing countries have such high standards in transparency, institutional framework, respect for and monitoring of human rights as Chile.
Chilean lithium as a sustainable option for the future
The future of electric vehicles depends on demonstrating that the metals used in their manufacture are produced sustainably. In this regard, Chilean lithium is probably the most sustainable option available in the world today.
