Because externalities of lithium extraction like using aquifers for evaporation ponds and the pollution from the leftover brine aren’t included in the cost of new lithium production, thus making less environmentally impactful methods of recovery too expensive to justify.
Note that this is not a catch with this recycling process (necessarily, anyway; the article doesn’t get into too many specifics) but rather an end-run to make lithium mining and refining appear less awful than it actually is.
Mining new lithium may be “cheaper” in raw dollars and cents provided only you don’t include the environmental impact or the costs of dealing with the same as a line item on the invoice.
Because externalities of lithium extraction like using aquifers for evaporation ponds and the pollution from the leftover brine aren’t included in the cost of new lithium production, thus making less environmentally impactful methods of recovery too expensive to justify.
There’s always a catch.
Note that this is not a catch with this recycling process (necessarily, anyway; the article doesn’t get into too many specifics) but rather an end-run to make lithium mining and refining appear less awful than it actually is.
Mining new lithium may be “cheaper” in raw dollars and cents provided only you don’t include the environmental impact or the costs of dealing with the same as a line item on the invoice.
So do I undertand you correctly it’s just an “eventuality option simulation” to lower the environmental footprint?
Like for example the listed WLTP* Kw/h / fuel consumption of cars in perfect (lab)conditions which never exist?
*Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure