Hopes of a 10-year EV transition are ‘irrational’ pipe dreams because we don’t have enough battery materials—opening up a single copper mine takes 23 years
Copper is the holdup for the EV transition Fortune
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The Challenge of Meeting Sustainable Development Goals in Copper Mining
Introduction
As the world strives to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, the demand for copper, a critical component in electric vehicles, is skyrocketing. However, experts warn that the mining industry may struggle to meet this demand due to various challenges.
The Role of Copper in Electric Vehicles
- A typical electric vehicle requires over 132 pounds of copper, compared to just 52 pounds for a gas-powered car.
- The exponential increase in copper demand driven by the electrification of the auto industry poses a significant challenge for the mining sector.
Meeting Future Copper Demand
New research indicates that meeting policymakers’ expectations for electric vehicles and green energy will require mining more than twice as much copper in the next 25 years as has been mined throughout human history up to 2018.
Challenges in Copper Mining
- Building new mines takes decades and requires substantial capital investment.
- Experts suggest that achieving 100% electric vehicle adoption by 2035 is highly unlikely due to the slow pace of mine production.
Government Role in Promoting Mining Investment
Governments play a crucial role in encouraging domestic mining investment to meet long-term copper demand. Environmental regulations and land ownership laws can impact the cost of mining operations.
Technological Innovations and Future Prospects
Researchers are exploring alternatives to traditional copper-dependent batteries for electric vehicles, such as solid-state batteries. However, large-scale production of these technologies is still years away.
Conclusion
As the demand for copper continues to rise, it is essential to recognize the importance of mining in achieving sustainable development goals. Collaboration between governments, industry stakeholders, and researchers is crucial to address the challenges in the mining sector.
## Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Targets, and Indicators Analysis
### 1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
– The issues highlighted in the article are connected to **SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy** and **SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production**.
### 2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
– Under **SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy**, the specific target related to the article is **Target 7.3**: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
– Under **SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production**, the specific target related to the article is **Target 12.2**: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
### 3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
– Indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets include:
– Increase in the demand for copper for electric vehicles.
– Rate of copper mining compared to historical levels.
– Investment in domestic mining encouraged by governments.
### 4. Table Presentation
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|—————————————–|——————————————————————————————-|——————————————————————————————————|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | Target 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency | Increase in demand for copper for electric vehicles |
| | | Rate of copper mining compared to historical levels |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources | Investment in domestic mining encouraged by governments |
Copyright: Dive into this article, curated with care by SDG Investors Inc. Our advanced AI technology searches through vast amounts of data to spotlight how we are all moving forward with the Sustainable Development Goals. While we own the rights to this content, we invite you to share it to help spread knowledge and spark action on the SDGs.
Fuente: fortune.com
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