Lithium - The power source for ESG

It should come as no surprise that Governments across the globe are pushing the same agenda ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance). So what are some of the components of this movement?  The E component is environmental,  part of the consideration 'E' takes is in regard to the energy it takes in and the waste it produces as well as the carbon impact.  

One major Component and a huge driver is Lithium, not to disappoint all the Swedish band fans nor the Alt-rock station found on Satellite radio, we are talking about the base metal / industrial form of Lithium.

What do we know about Lithium?  The atomic number is 3 and the symbol is Li, its atomic weight is 6.94, all stuff you recall from your high school science class; right?  Lithium is very reactive and flammable - more on this later

• Supply chain power sits w/ Processors not miners (think about who makes the most money from Lithium and why this might be important as demand grows)
• Demand will outpace supply by 2025 Chile has a great spot for Lithium as #2 producer globally, while Bolivia has large lithium deposits
• Prices went up 400-500% in '21 (Yikes)

Top Lithium Producing Countries / Regions

• Australia
• Chile - which is part of the Lithium Triangle of countries in Bolivia, Chile and Argentina, mostly in the salt pans - estimated to hold 54% of the worlds supply of Lithium. Did you know they elected a Communist in their elections late last year?  Yeah, I am sure that will end well for their exports; not. 
• China - if you have not noticed China doesn't play well in the sandbox with anyone but themselves!!!!
• Argentina
• Zimbabwe
• Portugal  
• Serbia - Although not a top producing country the new project was going to bring economic diversity to this Balkan country. However, The Rio Tinto has a project Jadar that is being targeted by protestors and getting it shutdown further exacerbating the Global Lithium shortage

What Government employees and Green Group protestors don't understand is how products are produced, nor how involved industrial activities are and that they don't just happen by magic. Although they can get elected  by magic it doesn't make them any smarter, just abusers of the system.

Recall back to the early 2000's when the Oil experts were clamoring we have reached Peak Oil - well, those wells are still producing an excellent product at a regular rate (i.e. well have NOT run dry).  And it makes perfect sense to incorporate new energy sources but to decry all existing energy sources are evil to push their own agenda that is plum moronic.

Think for yourself for a moment, why would any rational human limit themselves or the fate of their family to a energy source that is predictable and centrally controlled (think distance between gas stations and EV charging stations) Now think back to the Frozen Texas power grid (recall USA has three power grinds - East, West and Texas) The powers that be have been dismantling the Texas power grid for almost 20-years, then you are supposed to be surprised when there is not power to spare; really?

Enter Greenwashing, also called "green sheen", is a form of marketing spin in which green PR and green marketing are deceptively used to persuade the public that an organization's products, aims and policies are environmentally friendly.

Why are the Greenies not going after China for propping up EverGrande or being the planets largest polluter? You have to ask yourselves these types of questions in order to win in the coming years.

Lithium use cases: 

• 27% of uses are for batteries
• Medical treatments for mental health disorders

Lithium must be recycled in lab environments due to contamination and the rigorous reclamation process as it is unstable in many forms.  So no the guy down at the recycling outfit with one tooth and 5' beard will not be able to properly recycle the lithium. Don't get me wrong I like that guy and guys like him, its just Lithium is so unstable and flammable you don't want major accidents - think burning flesh or industrial fires that cause area evacuations.

So how is this going to help reduce pollution and make a safer planet?

Enter the Myopic Green Movements and Government blindness - ESG has become a straightjacket rather an enabler of energy transition.  

Summary - Think about it from a control of all citizens and their tyrannical whims.  Be careful which path you subjugate yourself and your families too!!!

Disclaimer - I am not an employee nor an agent of any of these industrial firms, nor an enemy of any of these states nor am I suicidal.  So, if I turn up missing or a couple of bullets in the back of my head, I didn't do it.