Due to the environmental problems that humans face and the dangers that these problems bring, the world today has moved towards using green energies such as solar and wind energy and replacing them with fossil fuels. The increasing use of electric cars is a clear example of the measures taken in this direction. However, the use of green energy is not without challenges and one of the main challenges in this direction is electricity storage.
Batteries are humanity’s current solution to managing this challenge. Today, many electronic devices are powered by lithium-ion batteries. These types of batteries are more desirable than other types of batteries due to their ability to be continuously charged and discharged and are used in more electrical devices. Due to this issue, the demand for this mineral has increased sharply in recent years, so that as a result of the increase in demand, from 2021 to 2022, the price of lithium increased by 180%. Of course, in addition to the battery industry, lithium is also used in the glass and ceramic production industries and the production of lubricants, metallurgical powders and polymers. Some experts have referred to it as “white oil” due to the high value of this mineral.
Forecasts show that there will be a gap between demand and supply in the coming years, which has increased the value of this mineral. Considering the value of this mineral and the important role that lithium plays in the battery industry, many countries in the world have invested in the exploration, extraction and processing of this mineral as well as the development of its related industries such as battery manufacturing or electric vehicle production.
In Iran, according to the latest geological findings, a mineral zone containing lithium has been discovered in Nahavand, Hamedan province, which has 8.5 million tons of lithium reserves with a grade of 81.23 ppm as definite reserves and 15 million tons as possible reserves. Although this discovered reserve is not comparable to the reserves discovered in the world, it is promising that Iran can play a role as one of the main suppliers of this strategic material in the world by conducting more discoveries and investing in its extraction and processing. .
The challenges facing Iran’s lithium industry are:
Weakness of technology, equipment and machinery, lack of information about resources and exploration challenges, environmental challenges, weak communication between industry and research centers and knowledge-based companies and unilateral sanctions.
Therefore, according to these challenges, the requirements of this industry in the country are as follows:
Continuous monitoring of territorial areas to explore existing resources, develop up-to-date knowledge and technology in accordance with global standards, develop infrastructure and technical equipment and pay attention to the global value chain of lithium-related industries.
Therefore, in order to provide these needs, it is necessary to draw a vision and develop long-term strategies for the country.