The EU estimates that lithium demand could increase eighteen-fold by 2030. 60 times as much lithium is expected to be needed in 2050.
(Photo: REUTERS)
Brussels, Zurich It sounds like a promising concept: An open pit mine is currently being built in Norway to exploit the world’s largest known phosphate deposit. Phosphate is used as a fertilizer, and batteries can also be built with it. The EU classifies phosphate as one of 30 critical raw materials because its economic importance is high and availability is not guaranteed. 48 percent of the phosphate used in the EU comes from China.
The mine in Norway could make the EU completely independent of dubious phosphate suppliers from abroad. However, the EU has not yet contributed to the funding. “The EU Commission does not seem to be prepared or interested in raw material projects in Europe,” says Michael Wurmser, founder of Norge Mining, which owns the deposits.
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