Managing environmental impacts of emerging technologies in Canada: electrochemical lithium refining

Several approaches have been developed to reduce GHG emissions, and a portfolio of technologies will likely be needed (IPCC, 2018). We propose to investigate a novel technology that may play a role in Canada’s economy decarbonization: on-site battery-grade lithium refining developed by Mangrove Lithium. However, the environmental impacts are still not clearly reported, which may result in unforeseen environmental burdens if impactful methods are deployed on a large scale. Therefore, estimating the environmental impacts at the early stage of development allows for a deep understanding of the potential burdens and opportunities for mitigation. Lithium demand is forecasted to increase in the near future to electrify several sectors of economy, and this project intends to assess and inform mitigation of the associated environmental impacts.

Faculty Supervisor:

Joule Bergerson

Student:

Partner:

Mangrove Water Technologies

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Calgary

Program: