Bolivia's Lithium Reserves Could Power Electric Car Boom
by Eliza Barclay, Washington, D.C. 
on 11.10.08
The auto industry is beginning to look to lithium batteries to power new models of hybrid cars. The new demand for lithium could be a boon for Bolivia, the poorest country in South America, which holds half of the world's lithium reserves, according to BBC News.
Lithium is a soft alkali metal found in rocks and sea water, and much of Bolivia's commercially exploitable reserves are located in the brine under salt flats of the dazzling white Salar de Uyuni in central Potosi state. Last week, Planet Ark reported that the government will invest $6 million in a pilot plant to help it figure out the best way to mine lithium.
Lithium carbonate is already used in rechargeable laptop computer and mobile phone batteries because it can store more energy in a lighter, smaller space than most alternatives,
According to BBC News, several car companies are developing lithium batteries for new hybrid fleets. GM has one in its new hybrid Volt, while Toyota is testing one in its next generation hybrid Prius. Mercedes-Benz is testing an electric version of its Smart, while BMW is doing the same with its Mini. Nissan-Renault, Mitsubishi and Volkswagen are all rushing to buy or produce enough of the batteries for future models.
But like so many other metals that yield great profits for mining companies, there could be environmental costs with the lithium rush.
"It is...going to generate pollution, not just from fossil fuels but also from lithium plants, which produce sulphur dioxide," Luis Alberto Echazu, Bolivian minister for mining, told BBC News. "This isn't a magic solution." : Via BBC News
More on Lithium:
Lithium Iron Phosphate Breakthrough: Better Batteries for Hybrids and Electric Cars
Lightening Lithium Superbike: No Emissions
Matsushita to Increase Lithium-ion Battery Production by 300%
Lithium Polymer Batteries: A Review
Nano-Tech Batteries May Rival Lithium-Ions In Hybrids
First Lithium-Ion Car Battery Factory to Open in France
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I am growing seriously concerned that the US auto industry in particular and battery designers and investors specifically have not done an adequate risk management review on the use of Li salts at large scale. Scan this MSDS for a general idea: http://www.jtbaker.com/msds/englishhtml/l6610.htm
Although the data are sparse, in California it must be listed as posing a potential human reproductive hazard. Here's a typical warning - "Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis. The substance may have effects on the central nervous system, cardiovascular systems, stomach and kidney by ingestion. May cause reproductive toxicity in humans."
Luckily Lithium is an abundant metal and not difficult to mine. So hopefully it will be able to revolutionize the world of automobiles in the same way that tiny cell phones have transformed ours!
Luckily Lithium is an abundant metal and not difficult to mine. So hopefully it will be able to revolutionize the world of automobiles in the same way that tiny cell phones have transformed ours!
Some people are concerned over the impact on global lithium from a big spike in demand in battery-powered cars.
Here's an article on CNET News on that subject.
Any jobs out there for little Lithia Springs, FL? The waters were once used to treat depression etc. A new employment base would do the town a world of good.
Sounds great digging up the worlds largest salt flats.
Geologically this may well be as bad as filling the Grand Canyon with trash.
filling the Grand Canyon with trash.
its not like there is not room in there for trash!!!