The electric car revolution is emptying the world for lithium. A new discovery gives hope for more



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The technological shift towards the electrification of the fleet has accelerated, especially in China. There are still new brands of electric cars and, by 2030, the production of electric cars is expected to be multiplied by 30.

Currently, this automotive industry, as well as manufacturers of computers and mobile phones, must use lithium-ion batteries. Even today, metal is rare – and research on alternatives without lithium is far from a commercial breakthrough. Calculations show that metal demand will increase from 600,000 to 800,000 tonnes over the next ten years.

The Chilean mining giant SQM estimates that the lithium industry will require investments of 10 to 12 billion dollars during this period to be able to deliver all electric cars. The country, along with Australia, China and Argentina, accounts for 95% of world production. Many alternative countries are currently being investigated in search of the basic substance; including Sweden.

But now, an event has been discovered that may allow the auto industry to breathe a little easier. In Mali, it is thought to have found an area containing 694,000 tonnes of lithium. By comparison, Chile is currently considered the single largest jurisdiction. It is estimated at 7.5 million tonnes, out of a global total estimated at around 16 million tonnes of metal.

Hope more discovery

Australian geologists Biriman and British Kodal Minerals estimate that West Africa's share could account for 4.34% of global production. The discovery consists of 48 million tonnes of ore containing a high proportion of lithium – and new discoveries can be excellent.

– The proportion may increase as investigations continue. Biriman probably started producing within two years, said Yaya Djire, head of the geology department of Mali's mining department at The Drive.

Since 2017, a dozen mining permits have been distributed to companies, all located in the mining region around Bougouni, where most of the lithium reserves are located. Until last year, Mali had only two lithium mining licenses, but the changes have been dramatic.

This article has been published for the first time on enjoyknik.se.

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