Utjecaj rudarenja litija na okoliš

undergraduate thesis

• Title (english): Environmental impact of lithium mining
• Author: Tea Golubović
• Mentor: Dragana Dogančić (mentor)
• Mentor: Anita Ptiček Siročić (komentor)
• Committee member: Sanja Kovač (predsjednik povjerenstva)
• Committee member: Dragana Dogančić (član povjerenstva)
• Committee member: Anita Ptiček Siročić (član povjerenstva)
• Committee member: Jasmin Jug (član povjerenstva)
• Granter: University of Zagreb; Faculty of Geotechnical Engineering; Varaždin
• Defense date and country: 2024-09-12, Croatia
• Scientific / art field, discipline and subdiscipline: TECHNICAL SCIENCES; Interdisciplinary Technical Sciences; Environmental Engineering

Abstract

Litij, kao ključna komponenta baterija za električna vozila i obnovljive izvore energije,
ima sve veću globalnu potražnju. Međutim, njegova ekološka eksploatacija predstavlja
ozbiljne izazove.
Proces rudarenja litija uključuje dvije glavne metode: vađenje litija iz tvrdih stijena i
isparavanje litija iz slanih površinskih naslaga.
Obje metode imaju značajan utjecaj na okoliš, uključujući uništavanje staništa,
zagađenje vode, visoku potrošnju vode i emisiju štetnih tvari u zrak. Posebno se
naglašava problem u područjima bogatim litijem, gdje vađenje uzrokuje iscrpljivanje
lokalnih vodenih resursa i pogoršava životne uvjete lokalnih zajednica. Također,
isparavanje soli može uzrokovati degradaciju tla i gubitak bioraznolikosti.
Uz ekološke posljedice, istraživanje obuhvaća i socijalne i ekonomske posljedice, poput
sukoba s lokalnim stanovništvom zbog eksploatacije prirodnih resursa, što često dovodi
do narušavanja njihovih prava i tradicionalnog načina života.
S ovim radom se predočavaju nepovoljni učinci rudarenja i pročišćavanja litija na vodu,
zrak, tlo i živa bića (životinje, biljke i ljude). Te ističe potreba za održivim rješenjima u
industriji litija kroz inovacije u tehnologiji vađenja, recikliranju baterija te
implementaciji strožih regulativa koje smanjuju negativan utjecaj na okoliš i zajednice.

Abstract (english)

The demand for lithium, which is a key component in batteries for electric vehicles and
renewable energy sources, is increasing globally. However, its ecological exploitation
presents serious challenges.
The process of lithium mining involves two main methods: extracting lithium from hard
rock and evaporating lithium from surface brine deposits.
Both methods have significant environmental impacts, including habitat destruction,
water pollution, high water consumption, and the emission of harmful substances into
the air. Particular emphasis is placed on the problems of lithium-rich areas, where
extraction depletes local water resources and worsens living conditions for local
communities. Additionally, salt evaporation can cause soil degradation and loss of
biodiversity.
Alongside environmental consequences, the research presented in the thesis also
addresses social and economic impacts, such as conflicts with local population due to
the exploitation of natural resources, often leading to the violation of their rights and
traditional way of life.
The main objective of this bachelor thesis is to present the adverse effects of lithium
mining and processing on water, air, soil, and living beings (animals, plants and
humans). It also emphasizes the need for sustainable solutions in the lithium industry
through innovations in extraction technology, battery recycling, and the implementation
of stricter regulations that reduce the negative impact on the environment and
communities.

• Keywords: litij; rudarenje; metode eksploatacije; ekološke posljedice; okoliš; onečišćenje
• Keywords (english): lithium; mining; exploitation methods; environmental consequences; environment; pollution
• Language: croatian
• URN:NBN: urn:nbn:hr:130:103898
• Study programme: Title: Environmental Engineering; Study programme type: university; Study level: undergraduate; Academic / professional title: sveučilišni/a prvostupnik/prvostupnica (baccalaureus/baccalaurea) inženjer/inženjerka inženjerstva okoliša (sveučilišni/a prvostupnik/prvostupnica (baccalaureus/baccalaurea) inženjer/inženjerka inženjerstva okoliša)
• Type of resource: Text
• File origin: Born digital
• Access conditions: Access restricted to students and staff of home institution
• Created on: 2024-10-17 10:33:00