Electric mobility promises to be the definitive transition toward a cleaner and more efficient transportation model. But for this transformation to be consistent with its principles, sustainability must begin long before the wheels touch the asphalt: in the responsible extraction of raw materials, such as lithium, that make it possible to manufacture electric batteries.

Lithium is the heart of these batteries. It is a lightweight, durable material with great energy storage capacity that has become a strategic resource for the decarbonization of transport. Without it, the autonomy and performance that electric vehicles offer today would not be possible. But its growing demand poses a dilemma:

How can we ensure that its extraction does not cause an environmental or social impact that contradicts the very principles of sustainability?

Currently, the European Union depends almost 100% on third countries for its lithium supply, with the risks this entails:

• high carbon footprint from long-distance transport
• geopolitical vulnerability
• and, in some cases, extractive practices with negative consequences for the environment.

Li4LIFE: responsible mining for the mobility of the future

In this context, Li4LIFE was born, a European project endowed with 6 million euros and coordinated from León by the ICAMCyL Foundation. Its objective is to develop innovative and sustainable processes to extract lithium from underexploited deposits and mining waste in Europe, minimizing environmental impact and strengthening the EU’s strategic independence.

Read the full article in El Mundo.