Concerns about lithium extraction: A review and application for Portugal^✰

Abstract

The trend towards “clean” mobility is growing steadily, causing an exponential increase in lithium demand. Lithium reserves are therefore an important asset for the countries owning them, opening up opportunities for valuable economic activity. However, lithium mining is not free from social, environmental and health impacts and its extraction is far from being a consensual topic on the regions involved. This paper reviewed the main impacts of lithium exploitation and addressed, in particular, the case of Portugal, ranked as the country with the most promising lithium reserves in Europe. The analysis was based on an application of life-cycle assessment for the case of the Barroso-Alvão region in Northern Portugal. Albeit recognizing the limitations of the study given the scarcity of information, it is possible to envisage the importance of local impacts from lithium extraction specially related to Abiotic Resource Depletion, Ecological Toxicity Potential and Occupational Health Hazards. The conclusion of the study was that it was necessary to properly acknowledge the cultural and social characteristics of the region and account for the local communities' needs and expectations, together with the potential social and economic impacts, for the definition of fair and acceptable policies and pathways for the future.