The activity covered by this report concerns the analysis of the mineral availability (exploration and mining) of raw materials used in batteries, with reference to the European and Italian context, as well as the evaluation of the ‘criticality’ factor of raw materials for this use. From a geomining point of view, an update of the Italian mining sites was carried out. Based on a list of 15 strategic minerals for batteries identified by RSE ‘Materials for Energy’ group, the number of mining sites has been updated at the regional scale. The research also allowed for the identification of several other minerals in the regional territories.

The technical data sheets relating to 4 minerals created in 2019 were updated. Furthermore, new sheets for the following materials were added: Lithium, Copper, Manganese, Nickel and Titanium.

The analysis for the assessment of mining potential on a European scale is underway and, in this regard, some new mining projects were identified to support the policy for a safe and sustainable supply of raw materials for batteries.

Based on the criticality assessment of raw materials considered strategic in Europe, which was updated in 2020, the economics of the supply and use of some of the materials used, in particular, in lithium batteries were also examined. Furthermore, with a view to a circular economy, the main recycling processes of components and materials adopted in the sector were analyzed, given their importance in the production cycle and their fundamental role in the sustainability of battery technology. Finally, the report briefly mentions the legislation in force in Europe and the latest updates proposed regarding the use, disposal and recovery of batteries.

Among the materials considered, particular attention was paid to lithium, as it was declared critical by Europe. In this regard, with a view to foreseeing a supply at a national/continental level, the preliminary analysis of ‘geothermal lithium’ was started to assess the potential of geothermal fluids to provide useful minerals for applications in various sectors, and especially to batteries, both for the automotive sector and for energy storage aimed at network flexibility.