Mining for battery metals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel can be despoiling landscapes, polluting water sources, and harming communities. In some cases, these operations involve child labor and unsafe working conditions.

Currently, only 5% of the world's batteries are recycled, creating mountains of e-waste. This poses a risk of toxic materials leaching into the environment and valuable resources going to waste.

The rapid growth in battery demand for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage could push some key materials into short supply, potentially driving up prices and hindering the clean energy transition.

While batteries offer a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels, their production and disposal still generate carbon emissions. Optimizing manufacturing and extending battery lifespan are crucial for minimizing this impact.

Dominance over battery metals and technologies could create economic and political power struggles between nations, potentially hindering global cooperation on climate change and sustainable development.