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 Miners on the extraction of lithium for use in electric vehicle batteries: "There is no work plan."

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The lack of a plan to utilise the resources of the Spanish land for electric automobiles, a sector that has been continuously expanding, was brought up by the mineral exploitation experts.

Since the manufacturing of electric vehicles started to increase, the mining of minerals like lithium and copper has become increasingly relevant on a global scale.

As a result, mining has emerged as a crucial link in the automotive industry's value chain and is where manufacturers have focused their attention lately.

"Absolutely not. The autonomies, which are responsible for developing mining policy, lack a work plan or a mandatory national strategy, according to Miguel Cabal, manager of Eurogeol and coordinator of the MMH Scientific Committee.

He says that while processing particular projects, this circumstance causes many uncertainties and anxieties for administrations.

According to Cabal's statement to Portal Movilidad Espaa, "There is no mechanism that permits the system to be shortened depending on the necessity. The bureaucratic method is the same for all mineral substances."

The following critical metals are listed as being required by the European Union: Antimony, Barite, Beryllium, Bismuth, Borate, Cobalt, Coking Coal, Fluorite, Gallium, Germanium, Hafnium, Helium, Indium, Magnesium, Natural Graphite, Natural Rubber, Niobium, Phosphorite, Phosphorus, Scandium, Metallic Silicon, Tantalum, Tungsten, Vanadium, Platinum Group Metal

Many of these materials are essential for the creation of electric vehicles as well as other forms of technological growth.

Andalusia's exploitation

Other chemicals, such copper, zinc, or lead, are also need in addition to these. Andalusia has already used some of the latter's resources, and more will be used in the future.

The manager of Eurogeol states, "There are no specific barriers (with the exception of energetic materials like uranium), but there is also no trigger lever."

The sector of Andalusia's economy most immediately impacted by the switch to electric vehicles at this time is the metal industry.

Fundamentally, because an electric car can hold up to four times as much copper as a conventional vehicle, the processes that extract and process copper ore are and will continue to be the most benefited.

"As technology advances, there is a growing demand for mineral raw resources. All products have chips and processors today, thus all types of metallic minerals must contribute, according to Cabal.

European encouragement

There are a number of measures at the European level to urge member countries to promote this type of extractive industry, despite the aforementioned "non-incentive" by the Spanish government.

The expert claims that "to this day, these are devoid of a real plan in the development of these projects."

And he asserts that it is essential for community plans to expand and grow in the region with precise measures and practical strategies that enable the valuation of these basic materials.

What minerals make up the majority of an electric vehicle battery?

The typical battery cell weighs about 185 kilogrammes and has a capacity of 60 kWh, making it comparable in size to the one used in a Chevy Bolt. Electrolyte, binder, separator, and battery case materials are not included in this calculation.

Minerals are used to create complicated components inside of cells that secure the movement of electrical current. Others guard against external accident damage.

The mineral mixture for batteries

The cathode, which may be the most significant and expensive part of the battery, comprises the widest range of minerals. Battery performance is influenced by the cathode's composition, with each mineral providing a special benefit.

For instance, NMC batteries feature a cathode made up of nickel, manganese, and cobalt in addition to lithium, and they accounted for 72% of the batteries used in electric vehicles in 2020 (excluding China).

As a result of these batteries' higher nickel content, which tends to boost their energy density—the amount of energy stored per unit volume—the range of the EV is extended. In NMC batteries, cobalt and manganese frequently serve as stabilisers, increasing battery security.

The average battery manufactured in 2020 contains 31.3% of its mineral weight in cathode materials. Aluminum, which is utilised in nickel-cobalt-aluminum (NCA) cathode chemistries and in other components of the battery like the casing and current collectors, is not included in this number.

Graphite has been used as an anode material of choice because of its availability, affordability, and extended lifespan. Graphite makes up the majority of the anode, the battery's main mineral component. Other components include the steel shell, which shields the cell from damage from the outside, and the copper utilised as the anode's current collector.

Chemically linked minerals

Different cathode mineral compositions are used in various lithium-ion battery types. Their names frequently make reference to the minerals they contain.

For instance:

NMC811 batteries' cathode composition is as follows:

82% nickel

Manganese, 10%

cobalt 10%

Cathode of batteries made with NMC523:

60% nickel

Manganese at 20%

Cobalt is 30%