Lithium is the backbone of a sustainable future. It is essential to the principal technologies in energy storage and electric mobility. Advances in battery technology, reducing costs, and expanding charging infrastructure have also made EVs more accessible and practical for everyday use. It has never been clearer that these evolving technologies will power the industries and innovations of a sustainable future and are the key to long-term environmental and economic prosperity.?
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The future of lithium production in Europe is promising, however, Germany’s industry reveals a concerning dependency: over 70% of lithium carbonate imports come from just two countries - Chile and China. In the last decade, the import value of lithium carbonate has skyrocketed (increasing 500%!). This trend underscores the necessity to diversify supply chains, especially the need to develop domestic supply chains for critical materials.?
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As foreign leaders have shown an increasing willingness to leverage critical supplies in a bid for political dominance, the current dangerous reliance on foreign supply chains is a major threat to a sustainable Europe. The environmental, economic and security implications of the existing situation are apparent and governmental support throughout the region will be crucial in ensuring the long-term viability of domestic lithium production. There are several promising and innovative projects in Europe, including in Germany and Portugal, which are leading the path toward a more secure future. While such advancements are promising, they are just part of the bigger picture?in securing adequate supplies of critical materials.?
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To ensure long-term prosperity, we must focus on delivering reliable and scalable lithium supplies for industry.?That’s why AMG Critical Materials N.V. is committed to establishing a Western lithium value chain including Brazil, Portugal, and Germany.?With our refinery in Bitterfeld,?Germany, we are taking concrete steps to increase lithium production capacity within the EU and contributing to the development of a resilient European supply chain. The increasing demand for lithium will continue to accelerate, and through strategic innovation and collaboration, we will meet this challenge head-on.