Lithium extraction, circular economy, and clean industry: aligning environmental impact, innovation, and water management.

This event will focus on the environmental impacts of lithium extraction and its connection to the EU’s circular economy, Clean Industry Deal, and Water Strategy. Discussions will cover the sustainability challenges and opportunities in lithium mining, key for green energy solutions. Topics will include the environmental consequences of lithium extraction, such as water depletion, pollution, and habitat destruction, and how the EU’s policies can guide more responsible mining and processing. The event will also highlight innovative lithium recycling and reuse approaches, aligning them with circular economy and water management strategies, while promoting policies for responsible supply chains, water protection, and industrial decarbonisation.

Veronica Manfredi, Director of Zero Pollution, Water Resilience & Green Urban Transition at DG ENVI, will discuss how the EU’s strategies can promote responsible lithium extraction and water-efficient practices for a green transition. Roman Baigun, Coordinator of the Saving High Andean Wetlands Program at Wetlands International LAC, will address the impact of lithium extraction in the Argentina-Bolivia-Chile lithium triangle. Dr. Cecilia Tortajada, Professor in Practice of Environmental Innovation at the University of Glasgow, will explore water usage challenges in lithium extraction and sustainable water management practices.

Circular Materials Italy will showcase EU-based lithium recycling efforts, demonstrating how circular economy principles can reduce environmental impacts. The event will include Q&A sessions to discuss balancing the demand for lithium with EU environmental goals, focusing on water efficiency, industrial sustainability, and circular economy principles. These sessions will use tools like Slido to encourage active participation.

The event will bring together officials from DG ENVI, DG GROW, DG CLIMA, DG TRADE, DG JRC, DG INTPA, and DG AGRI, as well as industry leaders, environmental NGOs, water experts, consumers, and stakeholders in the circular economy. The discussions will explore how the EU can support sustainable and circular approaches to lithium extraction and processing, ensuring the green transition is environmentally responsible and resource-efficient. Fred Pearce will moderate the session.