Gasan Ramazanov on environmental risks of lithium mining

The expert explained that lithium mining causes tangible damage to the environment. This includes degradation of land and water resources, greenhouse gas emissions, air and soil pollution, and modification of the natural landscape.

Lithium is mostly extracted by open-pit mining, which requires vast areas of land. This leads to deforestation, soil erosion and destruction of critical habitats. Lithium extraction can involve hazardous chemicals to separate it from other elements. If handled carelessly, these chemicals seep into nearby water basins, turning rivers, streams and groundwater into toxic channels. According to the International Energy Agency, the industry averages approximately 35.2 tons of carbon dioxide per ton of lithium.

Image by GarryKillian on Freepik