How Recycling Critical Minerals Can Ensure a Future for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Payne Institute and Mines Advanced Energy Systems student Karlyle Munz writes about how new policies are needed in order to ensure long-term availability of the critical minerals and metals involved in the manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries. The utilization rates of these minerals have increased exponentially in the recent past and further shortages in critical minerals could stunt growth in hundreds of industries. The main critical minerals discussed in this paper are those involved in the construction of the now ubiquitous, lithium-ion battery. Many roadblocks exist in the current recycling process that prevent the general public and large manufacturers from properly disposing of these batteries and devices including a lack of incentives for following recycling procedures.  April 21, 2022.