Europe is at risk of falling even further behind China in the race to secure metals used to power electric vehicles if an EU proposal to label lithium “toxic” is approved, industry bodies have warned.
In a letter sent to EU policymakers this week, seven business groups, including Eurometaux and the International Lithium Association (Ilia), expressed “deep concern” about a proposal by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) to classify lithium, a key battery metal, as a “Category 1A reproductive toxin”.
The call for lithium carbonate, hydroxide and chloride to be labelled as substances that may damage fertility and unborn children was presented to the European Commission early this year. It is under review, with a final decision expected from policymakers at the end of 2022 or beginning of 2023.