Demand for critical elements (lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese, graphite, copper and lanthanide 'rare earths') is expected to increase dramatically over the next 10-20 years, as a result of electrification.  

 

Fossil fuels have supplied most of the energy consumed since the start of the Industrial Revolution 200+ years ago.  Coal-fired steam engines powered the 19th century, and hydrocarbons came to the fore during the 20 century ... with great benefit to society at large.  However, fossil fuel consumption by internal combustion engines (ICE) involves CO2 emissions, which contribute to climate change.  Atmospheric CO2 has increased from 280-420 ppm since 1800.

 

Policy directives and tax incentives are driving decarbonization into the 21st century.  Transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources will require energy storage.  In the realm of vehicular transport, a shift from ICE to electric motors (commonly termed electric vehicles, or EVs) will greatly increase demand for lithium-ion batteries.  Stationary storage will increase the market penetration of intermittent renewable power sources.  High-performance magnets increase the efficiency of wind turbines.  

 

Supply chain and geopolitical considerations dictate that critical elements be sourced domestically, or from a wide range of foreign suppliers. 

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APEX Subsurface Consulting can help!

 

The founder is a well-rounded geologist and member of the mining-oriented Society of Economic Geologists (SEG).  The founder's MS thesis was focused on the world-class Grasberg copper-gold orebody in Irian Jaya, Indonesia.