As the first hurdle to Tesla’s own lithium-producing plans seems to be emerging, critics note that the electric car maker’s initiative could work very well in many challenges. This includes extensive questions about the potential fatigue permitting process, as well as the company’s planned lithium manufacturing technologies.
During Tesla’s Battery Day event, CEO Elon Musk told shareholders that the company has acquired rights to 10,000 liters of land in Nevada where lithium can be produced. Musk noted that Tesla will produce lithium from clay deposits using an internal growth process. If successful, Tesla will be the first company in the market to produce white metal from clay on a commercial basis.
Lithium is usually made from the sea, which is commonly found in South America. This material is also made from spodumin hard rock, commonly found in Australia.
Tesla’s plans for lithium production are very ambitious. As noted Reuters Reportedly, Tesla plans to mix the clay with table salt and water, causing a reaction where the salt is ready to be extracted from the lithium. The soil left over from the process will be returned to Earth to reduce environmental damage. “It’s a very sustainable way to get lithium,” Kasturi said.
As ambitious as Tesla’s plans are, however, the plan draws immediate response from critics, some of whom argued that the electric car maker has given too little detail about its lithium production initiative. Among these critics is Chris Berry, an independent adviser to the lithium industry, who noted that Tesla’s plan and proposed process are questionable.
“Tesla’s plan brings more questions than answers. Should we just take Elon Musk’s word for it to cost less than existing lithium projects? The advisor said.
Pedro Palendra of Global X Lithium & Battery Technology .G ETF was more optimistic about Tesla’s plans, although he warned that lithium mining could be a tedious process for an electric car manufacturer. This is especially noticeable because any lithium mining operation requires an extensive application process, whose permit approvals can last much longer. Palendrani said he wouldn’t be surprised if it takes Tesla several years before lithium operations begin in Nevada.
“Mining lithium is very challenging. If Tesla really wants to fly alone, we’re talking about four to five years to see any kind of lithium product.
