Europe’s lithium paradox: mining, metals and mixed messages

‘Europe stands at a critical crossroads, facing the growing threat of complete dependence on third countries for essential metals and minerals like lithium – resources vital to a circular economy,’ observes Dr Peter Tom Jones of Leuven University. He has made a documentary, ‘Europe’s Lithium Paradox’, on the role ‘responsible mining’ has to play in a society demanding wind turbines, solar panels and electric cars.   

The one-hour film, which focusses on two advanced lithium mining projects in Portugal and Serbia, points out that construction has stalled due to conflicting perspectives. While the metals industry is defending the need for materials to supply clean energy, electronics and modern-day vehicles, citizens and environmentalists are protesting against such mining activities.

‘Caught in the crossfire, policymakers struggle to navigate the battlefield,’ says Jones. ‘Europe must move beyond entrenched positions and forge a united front. My documentary may be a tool that can give clarity on our need for lithium and what’s the best way to feed our demand.’

The feature is currently on tour and is being screened at universities, R&D institutes and industry conferences across Europe. ‘I’ve presented it in six countries so far, seeking to raise questions and spark people into action. It’s also available on Amazon Prime.’

Feedstock problem

‘You can’t recycle your way out of a fossil fuel economy,’ Jones asserts. ‘You have to mine first and recover the material at end-of-life stage. We simply don’t have enough scrap in Europe – and we won’t have enough until 2035. That leaves us with a ten-year gap. Even then, it’s doubtful we will have the right feedstock considering products and battery chemistries continue to change.’

Jones estimates that at least one million EVs could be powered by lithium mined in Serbia. ‘We could create an entirely new ecosystem. Not just a mine but a refinery, a battery metals recycling hub; all the necessary links in the supply chain.’ With ten or more sites across the continent operating at industrial scale (as opposed to the four existing ones, one of which is idle), he says Europe would be self-sufficient in lithium mining. ‘We need to act now to avoid sleepwalking into the abyss.’

War on minerals

‘We have no lack of expertise or innovative technology: we have a lack of feedstock. Leading players like Umicore have proven battery recycling is possible at the highest level. However, we are wasting time talking instead of doing; waiting on permits, waiting on the right legislation, waiting for the right time…’

Meanwhile, it’s becoming harder to catch up with China and the US. ‘They are not playing by the rules, they are making their own rules,’ Jones insists. ‘We need to realise we are fighting a cold war, a minerals cold war. Donald Trump is calling for a state capitalist approach for lithium recovery through minimum price floors while China is issuing bans on the export of technology metals. Europe is a by-stander of this geopolitical war.’

He is concerned the playing field is not level and is becoming more uneven. ‘If we waste more time, we may never catch up. Then we’ll be completely dependent on outside sources. We will have no industry left in Europe. Is that what we want?’

Who are the bad guys?

The documentary is intended to accelerate debate and spur people into action. It does not escape criticism. Communities in Serbia and Portugal, directly affected by the mining plans, voiced environmental and social concerns, mostly off camera. ‘Our crew tried talking to them and getting their opinion to present a balanced view of the matter,’ Jones recalls. ‘This proved highly difficult as most citizens refused to talk to us while others yelled at us from a distance to back off.’

They saw the film-makers as the bad guys and the documentary as promotional campaign on behalf of the mining companies. Jones is a director of the KU Leuven Institute for Sustainable Metals and Minerals which is part-funded by several metallurgical companies, including Umicore and Aperam. ‘Ironically, the mining community wasn’t welcoming of our film either. I’ve heard they banned their workers from watching it, finding it too critical.’

Jones adds with a laugh: ‘I’ve had worse. A previous film on the same topic was so controversial my crew and I got quite a few intimidating letters and even death threats. We arranged for police protection and everything. Can you imagine?’

Dr Jones maintains the documentary is grounded in scientific evidence and best practices, striving to balance innovation with real-world concerns. Public engagement is crucial in order to make progress, he insists. ‘I have heard the term: you can’t fight feelings with facts. Well, we can certainly try to change the narrative. And I will keep pushing until momentum and support picks up.’