Lithium Demand Surge and New Battery‑Life Technologies Drive Critical‑Mineral Debate

A United Nations Conference on Trade and Development report projects global lithium demand to increase by more than 340% by 2040, with clean‑energy technologies accounting for 87% of that demand. The report warns that supply chains for critical minerals such as cobalt, nickel and rare earths remain highly concentrated, highlighting the need for diversified processing, recycling and stronger international cooperation.

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have demonstrated that applying a constant mechanical pressure of about 12.5 bar to lithium‑ion pouch cells can double their lifespan, offering a non‑chemical route to extend electric‑vehicle battery life and reduce waste and mining pressure.

Cornell University scientists have introduced an electrochemical “bath” that restores up to 95% of a spent battery’s capacity, potentially cutting recycling costs by 56% and lowering environmental impacts. The method, called direct electrode‑to‑electrode regeneration, dissolves the insulating solid‑electrolyte interphase that degrades performance over time.