The Future is Bright for lithium
Written By Owen Higley
What to know, and why to invest
In a day and age where technological progression seems to be an unstoppable force with the persistent presence of innovation and ever evolving platforms such as Artificial Intelligence along with many others. Similarly, another blossoming aspect of modern living which affects economies and markets world wide is the looming threat of climate change and a warming planet. Pessimistic articles released about the flood zone, wildfires and other natural disasters, as well as dramatic opinion statements with regard to the human race's impending doom are published more often than any of us would like to see. On the contrary, looking past the seemingly unscalable wall of negativity, there are ideas out there which strike the opposite set of emotions into the hearts and minds of viewers; speaking of the mechanisms of technological growth and innovation as a vessel for good and for progress. In an attempt to combat the growth of our climate issues, while simultaneously fostering technological innovation change needs to be made. The preceding statement is monumentally broad, and is a path with many roads, the best one of which we don’t have the fortune of knowing. Today, I want to talk about a combination of innovation, climate threats, and recent market news that could not only be helpful for the future of our planet but could be promising to your pockets through the form of alternative investments; more specifically I’m talking about Lithium Futures.
A new technology arises
In modern times that have acclimated to modern technology such as powerful electric vehicles, smart phones, and other expensive high tech consumer products, Lithium has become more than a “precious metal” it has become an essential part to many livelihoods in developed countries. Lithium is a resource (metal) that can be obtained in several ways such as brine mining (pumping seawater to the surface and extracting minerals), hardrock mining, geothermal activities, and more. While there is no shortage of methods to acquire Lithium, the process has never been a “friendly” practice. To both the environment, and to those tasked with collecting the material Lithium spells danger. Over exposure to Lithium can cause a multitude of health issues in those subject to close exposure to the raw material on top of an already present association between the mining industry and human rights violations. However, from the darkness shines a light; a start-up company by the name ElectraLith has a new patented technology which allows for a new approach to Lithium extraction, one that is both greener and more humanistic. ElectraLith’s DLE-R (Direct Lithium Extraction) product allows for a cleaner and greener extraction of Lithium from any source (brine, hardrock, geothermal, etc.). The technology has the capability to run on renewable energy, while simultaneously eliminating the need for water and harmful chemicals when extracting Lithium. This promising technology has already been backed by some big players in the public energy sector such as the mining and materials giant Rio Tinto (RIO), as well as Chevron’s (CVX) innovation investment program Chevron Technological Ventures. ElectraLith has acquired over $27 million in funding to aid in what ElectraLith hopes will be rapid development.
Climate mandate
Going back to the common issues of traditional Lithium extraction, global climate agreements further amplify the urgency of sustainable lithium production. Lithium mining notoriously has byproducts of water depletion, land degradation, and emissions release which correspond with air pollution (Lithium mining has previously been estimated to produce emissions of 1.3+ million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually). In efforts to combat global warming, commitments under the Paris Agreement, the most profound being limiting global warming to 1.5°C, and and recent agreements made by various countries such as Columbia who stated: parties are to provide planning processes for the preparation NDC (Nationally Determined Contributions) in order to facilitate clarity across nations, and the U.S. stating: NDC Should include an ambitious, economy-wide emission reduction targets covering all greenhouse gases, sectors and categories and be aligned with limiting global warming to 1.5°C. (Statements made on November 18th, 2024). As nations intensify their efforts to decarbonize, the need for sustainable lithium solutions becomes increasingly evident. This is where ElectraLith and the future of Lithium shines. With countries chasing goals within the Paris Agreement, paired with increasing demand for products reliant on Lithium batteries including EV’s and clean energy sources (which made up for 64% of the volume for a record breaking 3 trillion USD global energy investment expenditure) there is a dual need for more Lithium and more green practices both of which are boxes ElectraLith has the pleasure of checking off with its new DLE-R technology. If the saying “success breeds success” holds true, then ElectraLith won’t be alone in its venture of more practical Lithium extraction practices and that it’s a safe bet that Lithium collection better corresponding with humanity's current situation won’t be uncommon.
Why invest in Lithium Futures?
In accumulation, when combining the variables of loathed traditional mining solutions, efforts to curb global warming, and technological innovation there is a recipe for not only a better outcome for everyone on earth but also for your bank account. Investing in lithium futures offers a unique opportunity to capitalize on the convergence of technological innovation, climate action, and market demand. With ElectraLith’s DLE-R technology addressing the environmental concerns of traditional lithium mining, the company is in a position to lead the industry and increase the quantity of lithium mining on what could be a global scale. Furthermore, the growing adoption of EVs, renewable energy systems, and global climate commitments ensures an enduring demand for lithium. As we navigate an era defined by both seemingly unstoppable technological progress and urgent climate challenges, lithium emerges as a keystone piece in the transition to a sustainable future. By investing in lithium futures, you can not only contribute to this transformative journey but also position yourself for substantial financial gains.
