Mining nodules from the deep ocean seabed could provide the metals crucial for today’s EV batteries and renewable energy technology, but little is known about the harm it could cause.
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Canada is connected to the Democratic Republic of Congo through the global economy, international peacekeeping efforts and migration. We must not ignore violence because it’s far away.
Solar panels and electric cars come with their own environmental trade-offs like increased mining and extraction.
Critical minerals like cobalt, lithium and rare earth elements abound in Australia. But we’re not making the most of these in-demand resources.
Canada could become a global leader in the supply of materials needed for renewable energy systems if it finds ways to control the environmental footprints associated with their extraction.
The US is generating more electricity than ever from wind and solar power – but often it’s not needed at the time it’s produced. Advanced energy storage technologies make that power available 24/7.
It seems the production of Earth science knowledge in Africa is simply not progressing, despite the world’s interest in (and exploitation of) the continent’s mineral wealth.
Companies can’t verify that their source didn’t involve artisanal mining. A discussion over responsible sourcing strategies and practices is needed.
Building renewable energy infrastructure involves mining for materials such as lithium, graphite and cobalt. If not done responsibly, that could cause huge environmental damage.
EVs will have lower sticker prices than gas vehicles when batteries are cheaper. Getting there comes down to knowing where to cut costs.
Blockchain is a promising tool to fight modern slavery by making global supply chains more accountable. But there a few kinks to be worked out.
The deal between the DRC and the Chinese company Sicomines didn’t take into account how the Congolese people would benefit.
Electric vehicles are taking off, but will demand remain sustainable once governments phase out subsidies? And as the “hidden costs” of the EV revolution emerge, some might get left behind…
Is it too much to dream of batteries that are part of the structure of an item, helping to shape the form of a smartphone, car or building while also powering its functions?
Electric cars and smartphones have created growing demand – and volatile prices – for once obscure metals.
Electric cars might be a quick fix to clean up transport, but the problems with cars go beyond just emissions.
Demand for energy storage is increasing – both in Australia and around the world. But issues with the production of lithium-ion batteries mean the search is on for alternatives.
Top contributors
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Associate Professor, Resources Engineering, Monash University
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Associate Professor, University of Notre Dame Australia
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Professor, The University of Queensland
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Lecturer in Environmental Management, The University of Queensland
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Principal Research Fellow - Materials, Sheffield Hallam University
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Professor of Business Law and Ethics, Indiana University
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Associate Research Fellow in Battery R&D, University of Wollongong
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Researcher, National Renewable Energy Laboratory
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Assistant Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, North Carolina State University
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Associate professor, Grenoble École de Management (GEM)
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Senior Lecturer in Sustainability, Murdoch University
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Professor of Law and Justice and Director of the Australian Human Rights Institute, UNSW Sydney
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Director - WH Bryan Mining and Geology Research Centre - The Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland
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Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University
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Ph.D. Candidate in Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University
