Attaining sustainability in lithium supply chains - an assessment of challenges and opportunities for application of direct lithium extraction on brine deposits

Abstract

In the collective effort toward the decarbonization of anthropogenic activities and the attainment of a carbon-free society, critical minerals are recognized to be of significant importance in the transition process. As one of the critical minerals pivotal for the electrification of the transportation sector and making a constituent part of battery energy storage systems, lithium holds a major role in the transition process. Consequently, the demand for lithium in the upcoming decades is expected to increase, raising questions on how to source the mineral in a sustainable manner. One set of technologies, direct lithium extraction, emerges as a promising answer. To find out the technologies’ prospect, the paper considers two research questions: (I) How does the adoption of direct lithium extraction on brine deposits impact the environmental sustainability of lithium supply chains?, and (II) What are the challenges associated with integrating direct lithium extraction into existing lithium supply chains, and how can these challenges be overcome? With the means of an extensive literature review and invaluable input from interview partners, the answers to research questions are formulated through two parts of the paper. The first part deals with the working principles of both the prospective technologies and the currently commercially exercised method of the evaporitic technology. Subsequently, the paper compares between the technologies’ environmental footprints. The second part addresses the challenges direct lithium extraction technologies face on the path of commercialization, where the obstacles recognized are divided into three categories: economic, policy and geopolitical, and technical aspects. Following the assessment, the ensuing conclusions are made: first, the implementation of direct lithium technologies can provide sensibly greater sustainability of the lithium supply chains if brine water reinjection, fresh water recovery and reuse, and appropriate waste management are conducted; second, to facilitate the technologies’ proliferation and to attract investments, it is proposed that lithium is established as a commodity in commodity markets, applicable stringent water-related regulations established, and national policies endorsing the technologies set up. Notwithstanding direct lithium extraction’s potential, further research and development are necessary since not all technologies are equally environmentally sustainable or mature for commercial application.