Europe Aims to Reduce Reliance on China with New Lithium Mines by 2030
Europe is gearing up to launch several lithium mines over the next few years, as the European Union seeks to diversify its lithium supply and reduce dependence on China. Lithium, a critical component for electric vehicle batteries, plays a pivotal role in the energy transition and the push towards reducing carbon emissions.
According to Fastmarkets, a commodity research firm, European demand for electric vehicles is set to double within the next decade. However, Europe currently relies heavily on China, which supplies 97% of the lithium used within the EU. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, emphasized this dependence earlier this year, calling it a challenge to Europe’s clean energy goals.
One of the key projects addressing this issue is Savannah Resources' lithium mine, expected to start production by late 2026. Savannah, listed on the London Stock Exchange, is leading the charge in developing Europe’s lithium resources. Additionally, Fastmarkets estimates that by 2030, as many as eight lithium mines will be operational across Europe, with annual lithium carbonate equivalent production expected to reach 58,000 metric tons by 2034—up from nearly zero today.
These developments are part of the EU's broader strategy to secure essential raw materials for electric vehicles and reduce its reliance on overseas suppliers, positioning Europe as a key player in the global battery supply chain.
