Mexico could move up the value chain into lithium refinement and, perhaps one day, lithium-ion battery production to complement its already-thriving automotive industry. There are significant challenges to this ambitious pathway. Mexico would need to foster a workforce trained in chemical engineering, materials science, and other technical
BASF is developing a longer-duration version of its sodium-sulfur battery, which offers duration, supply chain, and safety advantages over lithium-ion.(Image courtesy of BASF.)
Mexico holds 1.7 million tonnes of lithium reserves. The proposed law, now in the hands of the Senate, bans all private participation in the exploration and mining of the battery metal.
Three issues should give Mexican policymakers pause. First, unregulated lithium mining can threaten local ecosystems through pollution and water loss. Second, drug cartels have a track record of co-opting other natural resources in Mexico to diversify their revenue streams. Thus, the potential wealth of lithium production could create security
In 2018, the Canadian company Bacanora Lithium PLC discovered a lithium deposit located in Bacadéhuachi, Sonora, in northern Mexico with declared reserves of 243.8 million tonnes, making it the world''s largest lithium mine. In the years since, lithium has become crucially important given its essential role in the production of batteries for
Referred to as ''white gold,'' countries with lithium reserves are racing to increase extraction and export deposits for battery production. As automobile and battery
Abstract Lithium (Li)/sodium (Na)–sulfur (S) batteries are considered to be competitive candidates for the next-generation energy storage devices due to ultrahigh theoretical energy densities and potential low costs. However, the insulating nature of S and dissolution of intermediate polysulfides hinder the development. Here, the use of selenium (Se) or tellurium
Mexico holds 1.7 million tonnes of lithium reserves. The proposed law, now in the hands of the Senate, bans all private participation in the exploration and mining of the
Room-temperature sodium-sulfur (RT Na-S) batteries are considered as a promising next-generation energy storage system due to their remarkable energy density and natural abundance. However, the severe shuttling behavior of sodium polysulfides (NaPSs) significantly hinders their commercial visibility. Therefore, several strategies have been
I believe that for several years – perhaps a decade or more – we will not see a 100% Mexican lithium extraction process. In addition, there are few companies today that have a method for extracting lithium from clays [such as those in Sonora] that is sufficiently cost-effective to make it viable in the long term. Added to this
Theoretical and (estimated) practical energy densities of different rechargeable batteries: Pb–acid – lead acid, NiMH – nickel metal hydride, Na-ion – estimate derived from data for Li-ion assuming a slightly lower cell voltage, Li-ion – average over different types, HT-Na/S 8 – high temperature sodium–sulfur battery, Li/S 8 and Na/S 8 – lithium–sulfur and sodium–sulfur
The Lithium-Sulfur Battery (LiSB) is one of the alternatives receiving attention as they offer a solution for next-generation energy storage systems because of their high specific capacity (1675 mAh/g), high energy density (2600 Wh/kg) and abundance of sulfur in nature. These qualities make LiSBs extremely promising as the upcoming high-energy storing
To what extent private companies will be able to participate in the Mexican lithium market: the amendment to the Mining Law is clear that primary activities (e.g., exploration, mining exploitation, and refining) will be carried out by the new government agency, but the Decree seems to open the door for LitioMx to partner with private companies
Mexico could move up the value chain into lithium refinement and, perhaps one day, lithium-ion battery production to complement its already-thriving automotive industry.
Chinese mining company Ganfeng has filed a lawsuit against Mexico at the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), a World Bank entity. The lawsuit, filed last Friday, alleges the cancellation of
Lithium-sulfur (Li–S) batteries are among the most promising next-generation energy storage technologies due to their ability to provide up to three times greater energy density than conventional lithium-ion batteries. The implementation of Li–S battery is still facing a series of major challenges including (i) low electronic conductivity of both reactants (sulfur) and products
On 18 February 2023, the president signed a decree to accelerate the nationalisation process, giving responsibility to the Energy Ministry. The law includes the formation a decentralised State company, LitioMX, commissioned to develop the value chain of
The emergence of Li-S batteries can be traced back to 1962. Herbert and colleagues 15 first proposed the primary cell models using Li and Li alloys as anodes, and sulfur, selenium, and halogens, etc., as cathodes. In the patent, the alkaline or alkaline earth perchlorates, iodides, sulfocyanides, bromides, or chlorates dissolved in a primary, secondary,
Chinese mining company Ganfeng has filed a lawsuit against Mexico at the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), a World Bank entity. The lawsuit, filed last Friday, alleges the cancellation of concessions for the construction of a large lithium mine in the state of Sonora.
Wang, N. et al. High-performance room-temperature sodium–sulfur battery enabled by electrocatalytic sodium polysulfides full conversion. Energy Environ. Sci. 13, 562–570 (2020).
In 2018, the Canadian company Bacanora Lithium PLC discovered a lithium deposit located in Bacadéhuachi, Sonora, in northern Mexico with declared reserves of 243.8
With the trade agreement between Mexico, the US and Canada (T-MEC) coming into effect, lithium exploitation has taken on greater significance, in view of the need to
I believe that for several years – perhaps a decade or more – we will not see a 100% Mexican lithium extraction process. In addition, there are few companies today that
With the trade agreement between Mexico, the US and Canada (T-MEC) coming into effect, lithium exploitation has taken on greater significance, in view of the need to ensure a supply chain with...
Three issues should give Mexican policymakers pause. First, unregulated lithium mining can threaten local ecosystems through pollution and water loss. Second, drug
Among these front-runners, rechargeable lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries have established a reputation in academia and the industrial community owing to their ultrahigh theoretical energy density (2600 Wh kg −1), low-cost raw materials, and environmental friendliness. [17-19] Therefore, its practical applications are highly anticipated. Unfortunately, the notorious "shuttle
Referred to as ''white gold,'' countries with lithium reserves are racing to increase extraction and export deposits for battery production. As automobile and battery manufacturers work to meet demand and avoid supply chain shocks, many are looking toward the untapped potential of Mexican lithium.
Researchers at the University of Sydney claimed to have developed a new, low-cost sodium-sulfur battery with four times the energy capacity of lithium-ion batteries. The success of the technology could significantly reduce the cost of transitioning to a decarbonized economy. The new battery has been designed to provide a high-performing solution for large-scale
On 18 February 2023, the president signed a decree to accelerate the nationalisation process, giving responsibility to the Energy Ministry. The law includes the formation a decentralised
AMLO and many Mexican policymakers hope to leverage lithium to profit from the rapidly growing value chain of clean energy minerals and technology. Lithium-ion batteries, electric vehicles, and other clean energy technologies are attracting skyrocketing sums of capital.
In recent years, Mexico’s outgoing President, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (AMLO), has sought to develop lithium resources in the state of Sonora. AMLO and many Mexican policymakers hope to leverage lithium to profit from the rapidly growing value chain of clean energy minerals and technology.
Given this panorama and under the protection of its energy sovereignty, the Mexican government has decided to batten its hatches with respect to lithium, even before being appraised of an approximate calculation of the quantity of minerals the country is sitting on.
With a consequential Presidential Election in 2024, now is the time for Mexican political leaders to carefully analyze their options regarding lithium mining and ensure minimal damage to ecological security. In this context, political leaders in Mexico and community leaders in Sonora should consider the following recommendations:
Mexico holds 1.7 million tonnes of lithium reserves. Agnico Eagle, through a Mexican subsidiary, will take a 50% stake in Minas de San Nicolás for $580 million. The project, focused on innovation and new technologies, would involve building facilities around Santiago and the Valparaiso coastal region.
According to the US Geological Services, Mexico has the ninth largest identified lithium resources in the world (1.7 million tons). 4 However, there is currently no commercial mining exploitation of lithium in Mexico, only some exploration projects in Jalisco, Guanajuato, Nogales, Sonora, and Puebla.
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