Lithium is a crucial component in the switch to renewable energy, but the extraction process of this critical mineral has been costly to the environment.

Lithium arguably plays the most important role in ditching fossil fuels and ensuring the world can move towards a zero-carbon future. The lightweight metal is found in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which are used in most personal electronics and most importantly, electric vehicles (EVs).

The demand for EVs has seen a huge increase in recent years, with companies scrambling to target multiple lithium exploration projects to ensure lithium supply can meet demand. However, in order to ensure the safety of our planet, lithium extraction methods must be done in an environmentally sensitive way that causes as little damage.

Any type of resource extraction is harmful to the planet, with removal of raw materials resulting in oil degradation, water shortages, biodiversity loss, damage to ecosystem functions, and an increase in global warming.

The Innovation Platform takes a look at why lithium extraction is bad for the environment and how companies are ensuring their extraction methods are eco-friendly so that we can meet the ever-growing demand for lithium.

The increasing demand for lithium

 Lithium demand is higher than ever, with calls for at least $42bn in lithium investment over the next six years in order to meet 2030’s goal of 2.4 million tonnes of lithium production per year.¹

 The demand for lithium is so high due to its integral role in EV batteries. EVs are becoming increasingly common on our roads, with over two million vehicles sold in 2018 alone.

The growing interest in lithium has seen the world’s largest-known reserves increase significantly. According to the US Geological Survey, there are around 80 million tonnes of identified reserves globally.²

Lithium is irreplaceable for the high-energy batteries that power portable electronics and electric vehicles. It has a unique position on the periodic table, offering high voltage and high capacity that cannot be replicated by other metals. A select few battery technologies have shown potential to one day replace today’s lithium-ion batteries. These new batteries are based on lithium metal and lithium silicon anodes, which improve performance but also increase lithium usage per kilowatt-hour.

After South America – mainly Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina – the next biggest lithium-producing country is the US, followed closely by Australia and China. In 2019, lithium exports from Australia were reported to have totalled almost $1.6bn.

Lithium is mainly sourced from either spodumene or brine. Australia is home to the majority of hard rock (spodumene) mines, while brine production is concentrated in South America, mainly in Chile and Argentina.

Lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide are the two lithium compounds employed for battery cathode production, with carbonate currently making up the bulk of usage. In brine production, lithium chloride is extracted from alkaline brine lakes before being converted to carbonate.

With this in mind, it is crucial to explore how these different extraction methods impact our planet and ecosystems.

Why is lithium extraction bad for the environment?

 Despite its potential to power a net-zero future, lithium extraction methods can cause great damage to the environment, with the metal often described as the non-renewable mineral that makes renewable energy possible. Extraction of the product causes several environmental defects, including water contamination and increasing carbon dioxide emissions.

New dealerships have been announced for Hitachi mining equipment in both Africa and two states in the US. First off, Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) NV (HCME) has announced a new dealer for customers in Africa. With its headquarters in Belgium, SMT will provide the complete range of Hitachi Zaxis and EX excavators with a targeted focus on the mining market.

Established in 2010, SMT has benefited from acquisitions of a significant heritage dating back to 1946. The company is active in 15 countries in Africa, where it has a total of 27 branches. In addition, it has a presence in Belgium, Luxembourg, and has two branches in The Netherlands, eight in Great Britain and 11 in Texas, USA. Across all regions, it employs 2,000 people. It is already a major mining and construction equipment dealer and in Africa also represents Volvo and Sandvik for example.

“We look forward to developing a strong mining partnership with Hitachi,” says Jérôme Barioz, CEO at SMT Holding. “The mining market is booming in Africa at the moment, with high demand for gold. Our customers are looking for powerful and reliable equipment, with excellent after-sales support and a dedicated mining team. Efficiency is the key to their success.”

Representatives from both SMT and HCME celebrated the announcement at the recent bauma 2022 exhibition. “It’s fantastic to welcome a new dealer to the Hitachi family in our 50th anniversary year and we look forward to strengthening our partnership with SMT,” says HCME President Takaharu Ikeda. “By extending our network with the right partners, we can get closer to our customers and achieve our aim to be a first-choice solution provider.”

In the US, Associated Supply Company, Inc (ASCO), a leading provider of construction, agriculture, and material handling equipment, has been awarded the Texas and Oklahoma sales and service territory for construction and mining equipment by Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas Inc (HCMA).

With over 60 years of experience, ASCO is well-established in Texas with 24 dealership locations supporting many other brands of equipment. “With a proven track record of successful growth, ASCO has a clear vision for the potential of the HCMA products to strengthen their current relationships with customers and build new relationships with the world-renowned lineup of Hitachi construction and mining equipment.”

“We are excited to combine Hitachi’s worldwide reputation as a premier manufacturer with ASCO’s commitment to providing excellent customer service, product knowledge and industry relationships to create new opportunities for both of us,” said Brax Wright CEO, ASCO.

“ASCO looks forward to joining our team with Hitachi, a world class manufacturer. Together we will offer the customer a superior option in our market. We are excited about this new opportunity we have to serve our customers with Hitachi,” said Steve Wright President, ASCO.

ASCO’s other product offering includes CASE Construction Equipment, CASE IH, Doosan, Volvo Construction Equipment, Genie, K-TEC, Gradall, Sennebogen, as well as many other lines of well-known and respected agriculture, construction and material handling equipment.

At last year’s US Africa leaders summit in Washington the US signed an historic memorandum of understanding with Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo to develop an electric vehicle battery supply chain.

At the summit, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema also announced that Kobold metals, an exploration firm backed by billionaires Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos and Richard Branson, will invest US$150 million to develop a new mine in Zambia.

Zambia is particularly well positioned to supply what the world needs. It has substantial reserves of copper and cobalt, critical metals for the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. Due to their broad uses in wind and solar powered technology and electric vehicle production, these metals will play a crucial role in a low carbon future.

Copper demand is expected to increase up to threefold by 2040 while cobalt demand is expected to rise over 20 fold.

Zambia has 6% of the world’s copper reserves, and the metal accounts for up to 80% of its export earnings.

The coming copper boom presents Zambia with an extraordinary opportunity – to enable mining profits as well as to power inclusive growth.

But, as Zambia’s history shows, this is easier said than done. Successive rises in copper prices have not translated into reducing poverty or inequality. Zambia is still the fourth most unequal country in the world.

Based on our published research and expertise – including work with the International Growth Centre in the London School of Economics and engagement with the Zambian government on a research agenda for the country’s mining sector – we argue that Zambia can benefit from the energy transition underway. But it can only do so by harnessing the non-tax benefits of mining.

Non-tax benefits are the opportunities that stem from the mining activity itself. Most mining firms spend the bulk of their revenue on operational and capital expenditures, a larger share than goes towards either profits or government tax.

TOMRA Mining will showcase its sensor-based ore sorting solutions on Booth M30-7 at the Mining Indaba 2023 exhibition, which will be held in Cape Town, South Africa, from 6-9 February. Of particular interest will be its latest innovation in diamond recovery, the COM XRT 300 /FR sorter, a unique new-generation machine that has the potential to revolutionise diamond flowsheets. Kai Bartram, Global Sales Director, Corné de Jager, Global Segment Manager Diamonds, and Helga van Lochem, Area Sales Manager will be available to discuss with visitors to the show the benefits of TOMRA’s portfolio of sorting solutions for the diamonds, metals and industrial minerals industry, as well as the advantages of its advanced digital products and services,  like the TOMRA INSIGHT cloud-based platform.

Helga van Lochem said: “As one of the most important events where decision-makers in the mining industry come together, Mining Indaba will offer us a perfect opportunity to discuss our latest value-adding technologies. They will be able to get an understanding of how our sorting solutions, coupled with our collaborative approach and after-sales support, can benefit mining operations, improving their efficiency, profitability and environmental performance.”

A trusted sensor-based sorting partner since 1993, today TOMRA Mining has more than 200 machines in operation across the world. As a growing number of mining companies become aware of the huge potential of sorting technologies in processing plants of all sizes, TOMRA is spearheading the increasingly widespread adoption of sensor-based sorting in the industry.

Kai Bartram commented: “Our sorting technologies effectively address key issues that mining companies face, such as decreasing average ore grades and rising energy costs. Not only do we offer a complete solution, unique in the market, for diamond recovery, but we have proven that our sensor-based ore sorting technologies are extremely effective in a wide variety of applications such as chrome, manganese, gold, lead and zinc. There  is a big untapped potential for our technologies in mining and so far we have only scratched the surface. Our excellent results show that we are on the right track and we have ambitious objectives of growth for TOMRA Mining.”

TOMRA COM XRT 300 /FR: TOMRA’s revolutionary diamond Final Recovery solution

The TOMRA COM XRT 300 /FR is a new generation machine and an industry first in diamond sorting. It uses the company’s proprietary ultra-high-resolution sensor, advanced new image processing and high-precision ejector valve system to produce an ultra-high diamond-by-weight concentrate with an exceptionally low yield. The sorter offers 100% diamond detection within the specified size fraction and > 99% guaranteed diamond recovery with appropriate feed material preparation. It is also a dry process that doesn’t require water or chemical reagents.

“Our Final Recovery sorter has the potential to revolutionise diamond flowsheets,” stated Corné de Jager. “This user-friendly, compact and easy-to-operate sorter offers higher efficiency and better grade, with fewer sorting stages and a smaller footprint. It reduces complexity and operational costs.”

The TOMRA COM XRT 300 /FR completes TOMRA’s complete partnered diamond recovery solution, which covers the entire process, from Bulk Concentration to Final Recovery and Sort House applications. “We are now able to offer our customers a full XRT solution to sort +2-100mm particles: our bulk concentration sorters for +4-100mm particles and the COM XRT 300 /FR in its Final Recovery, Sort House or small-capacity exploration applications for +2-32mm particles,” adds Corné de Jager.

A strong base in South Africa to provide all-round support

TOMRA Mining operates from its regional Headquarters in Johannesburg, providing support to customers across Sub-Saharan African countries. The site includes a warehouse to ensure fast parts availability, and a Test Center where the company runs demonstrations, tests and training programs for the customers.

TOMRA also offers on-site service level agreements – which can be tailored to the individual customer’s specific requirements – to ensure the availability, capacity and recovery performance of the sorting machines. In addition, TOMRA is able to provide remote assistance using its digital tools: TOMRA VPN Remote Assist, TOMRA Insight, and its Augmented Reality tool TOMRA Visual Assist.

About TOMRA Mining

TOMRA Mining designs and manufactures sensor-based sorting technologies for the global mineral processing and mining industries.

As the world market leader in sensor-based ore sorting, TOMRA is responsible for developing and engineering cutting-edge technology made to withstand harsh mining environments. TOMRA maintains its rigorous focus on quality and future-oriented thinking with technology tailor-made for mining.

About TOMRA

TOMRA was founded on an innovation in 1972 that began with the design, manufacturing and sale of reverse vending machines (RVMs) for automated collection of used beverage containers. Today TOMRA provides technology-led solutions that enable the circular economy with advanced collection and sorting systems that optimize resource recovery and minimize waste in the food, recycling and mining industries, and is committed to building a more sustainable future.

TOMRA has ~100,000 installations in over 80 markets worldwide and had total revenues of ~10.9 billion NOK in 2021. The Group employs ~4,600 globally and is publicly listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange (OSE: TOM). For further information about TOMRA, please see www.tomra.com

For more information on TOMRA Mining visit www.tomra.com/mining or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook.

Media Contacts:

Nuria Martí                                                                 Nina Gustmann

Director                                                                       Global Marketing Manager Mining

Alarcon & Harris PR                                                    TOMRA Mining

Phone: +34 91 415 30 20                                            Phone: +49 4103 1888 126

Email: nmarti@alarconyharris.com                           Email:  Nina.Gustmann@tomra.com

Web: www.alarconyharris.com                                  Web : www.tomra.com/mining

In a powerful move to connect and protect mining assets, improve data connectivity, and save lives, Africa-focused industrial IT solutions provider Sedna has partnered with telecom infrastructure powerhouse Globalstar.

Band 53/n53 is a mid-band licensed spectrum resource that Globalstar offers to partners and customers that otherwise would not have access. Spectrum is sorely needed for progress in Africa. In line with demand for faster and more reliable speeds, the 5G variant of Globalstar’s Band 53 is known as n53.

“Demand for wireless data solutions from heavy industrial uses in mines is on the rise, but access to reliable always-on solutions is a challenge,” says Anton Fester, Sedna managing director.

“Access to reliable data and connectivity is an imperative for miners and their managers, as reliance on Wi-Fi alone is not enough, while access to spectrum is a continuous challenge. Globalstar’s terrestrial spectrum offers an immediate solution and we are delighted to be joining forces with a renowned global innovator like Globalstar to bring secure, reliable and state of the art data connectivity solutions to mines across the continent.”

He furthermore describes the deal as “an extremely important and exciting development for Africa’s mining industry.”

“The addition of n53 and 5G status ensures we are in lock-step with the latest digital advances and the Fourth Industrial Revolution as new networks around the world will be built utilising 5G’s advanced technology. There is already a lot of demand for these solutions as spectrum is also critical to the deployment of private LTE solutions on mines, which we are already rolling out.”

Band 53 offers partners secure and reliable connectivity in any environment and utilizing the band allows customers to deploy considerably less access points than when relying on Wi-Fi, leading to superior security, performance and long-term value.

Globalstar vice president of strategy Kyle Pickens says, “We are excited to be working with Sedna to bring Band 53/n53 connectivity to their mining deployments in Africa and beyond. Mining is a critical endeavour for the global economy and ever more important in many of the countries in Africa where Sedna is focused.

“The ever changing landscape make network design difficult and the environment is dangerous adding value to automation. Private wireless networks like we can deploy with Band 53/n53 are great solutions for Sedna’s business and the mining industry.”

Founded in South Africa in 2006, Sedna has rapidly expanded its solutions and innovation to serve mines globally (it has active operations on three continents) with scoping, sourcing, installing, and supporting enabling operational technology (OT) network technologies.

Sedna installed Africa’s first licensed spectrum private LTE (pLTE) network in South Africa as well Africa’s first underground leaky feeder licensed spectrum pLTE network.

“We aim to expand our solutions broadly across the continent. This will include developing adequate use cases to address customer needs. Innovations include automotive solutions through the power of AI, mobile connectivity for sensors, and geofencing for workers’ safety, among many others. The world is truly in the network, and by harnessing these innovations Africa’s heavy industries can thrive, survive and grow,” says Fester.

Sedna continues to expand its trusted partnership eco-system. Last month it strengthened its partnership with Nokia to co-operate on the technological advancement and development of Africa’s mining sector. It is now Nokia’s main system integrator for Africa in mining and other industrial applications.

“Our aim is to be a next-generation solutions provider to mines and other heavy industries across Africa. Technology has the power to ensure Africa’s growth trajectory is accelerated and with partners like Globalstar, we will continue to drive this growth with tailored, cutting edge solutions,” concludes Fester.

The Seventh-day Adventist Church has designated the fourth Saturday in October as Creation Sabbath.

Saturday, October 22, 2022 was marked as the Creation Sabbath, a special time to remember and affirm belief that the world and everything in it belong to God and that God expects human beings, placed on earth as rulers, to exercise benevolent, and selfless stewardship of the earth.

In a press statement, the church said, “As we mark this day therefore, the Adventist Church in Ghana condemns in no uncertain terms the blatant disregard, abuse and over-exploitation of our natural resources in the name of small scale mining (Galamsey).”

“We support the recent call by religious leaders for a ban on small scale mining (Galamsey), and demand that the perpetuators of this crime work to reclaim the lands, water bodies and forest reserves that have been destroyed by their activities. We are also of the firm belief that there are laws in this country, and until they are enforced it will be difficult for perpetrators to stop this destructive act.”

“OUR STAND IS BASED ON OUR BELIEF THAT HUMAN BEINGS WERE MANDATED TO CARE FOR THE EARTH AS RECORDED IN GENESIS 1:26 “AND GOD SAID, LET US MAKE MAN IN OUR IMAGE, AFTER OUR LIKENESS: AND LET THEM HAVE DOMINION OVER THE FISH OF THE SEA, AND OVER THE FOWL OF THE AIR, AND OVER THE CATTLE, AND OVER ALL THE EARTH, AND OVER EVERY CREEPING THING THAT CREEPETH UPON THE EARTH.”

“THE COMMAND, “TO HAVE DOMINION” IS NOT TO BE MISCONSTRUED AS A RIGHT TO ABUSE THE EARTH.

“AS WE MARK THE CREATION SABBATH TODAY, THE ADVENTIST CHURCH IN GHANA WISHES TO REMIND GHANAIANS AND CHRISTIANS ESPECIALLY OF OUR PATRIOTIC DUTY AND CHRISTIAN OBLIGATION TO PASS ON THIS EARTH AND ITS RESOURCES TO THE NEXT GENERATION IN A MANNER THAT SUPPORTS THEIR LIVELIHOOD AND SUSTENANCE OF LIFE.

“IN REVELATION 11:18, WE ARE TOLD THAT GOD WILL DESTROY THOSE WHO DESTROY THE EARTH.

“THE CHURCH APPRECIATES THE VARIOUS EFFORTS THAT HAVE BEEN SO FAR TO CREATE AWARENESS ON THE MENACE OF GALAMSEY AND THE EFFORTS BY GOVERNMENT TO PROVIDE ALTERNATIVE INCOME SOURCES FOR THOSE WHOSE LIVELIHOODS WILL BE AFFECTED BY A BAN ON SMALL SCALE MINING.

 

 

“THE ADVENTIST CHURCH, ON CREATION SABBATH, REITERATES THAT WE ARE OBLIGATED TO STUDY NATURE, LEARN FROM IT, AND PRESERVE IT FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS TO DO THE SAME, AND CALLS ON ALL GHANAIANS TO SEE THE FIGHT AGAINST GALAMSEY AS A PATRIOTIC RESPONSIBILITY AS WELL AS S A CHRISTIAN DUTY.

“SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS ARE A GLOBAL FAMILY OF CHRISTIANS WHO HOLD THE BIBLE AS THE ULTIMATE AUTHORITY AND OBSERVE THE SEVENTH-DAY SABBATH.”