Lithium is the lightest metal on earth and characterised by its high reactivity. It is mainly traded in the form of lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide, and mined primarily in Australia, Chile, China and Argentina.

Applications.

• Batteries (high- and low-voltage)

Risks.

• Water consumption in arid areas
• Land use
• Endangering the rights of local communities and indigenous peoples

Preventive measures.

• Contractual assurance by suppliers of compliance with ESG standards (e.g. certification)
• Collaboration with suppliers along the supply chain to:
  • Increase the recyclate rate
  • Reduce CO₂ emissions and conserve resources
• Sourcing raw material from selected suppliers
• Establishment of a closed loop in China for the reuse of nickel, lithium and cobalt from high-voltage batteries
• Implementation of corrective action after audits
• Implementation of the Responsible Lithium Partnership field project 
• Establishment of a traceability system
• Scientific study on the impact of lithium extraction on local water balance in Latin America (research summary in EN and ES)
• Investment by the venture capital fund BMW i Ventures in innovative lithium extraction technologies (US startup Lilac Solutions)

Active involvement in initiatives.

• Battery Pass Consortium: Collaboration to develop a battery passport based on the new EU battery regulation

Overarching policies and commitments