News & Insights > Insights > Equancy participates in the citizen debate on the opening of a lithium mine in Allier
 

  •  By Clémentine Mellier, Béatrice Mory-Brigadeau

With the development of new regulations driving the switch to electric cars, automotive companies are facing growing challenges linked to the supply of critical raw materials, in particular lithium, which is useful in the manufacture of electric motors.

As a long-standing partner to many players in the sector, and in supporting its customers in their new ecological transition business models, Equancy took part in the public debate on the opening of a lithium mine in the Allier region.

1/ Equancy refines its expertise in the ecological issues of the future for the automotive sector, while at the same time adopting a socially responsible approach

 

In Europe, two new regulations will have a major impact on the automotive market in the coming years:

  • A ban on the sale of new combustion-powered vehicles from 2035.

  • Legislation on critical raw materials to secure the future of EU supply chains.

In a context of dependence on foreign supplies, relocating the extraction of certain critical metals is a strategic direction for France.

 

To hone its expertise on the hottest ecological issues, Equancy organized a debate last spring on the opening of a lithium mine in the Allier region.


Participants took on the role of 5 groups of personae, to gain a better understanding of the interests of all the project's stakeholders: car manufacturers, local residents, tourists, environmental associations and French political leaders. At the end of the debate, they expressed their personal opinions on the issue.
 
This exercise helped to raise questions and doubts about the project, which were submitted to the mining company Imerys.

2/ What were the main lessons learned from this national debate?

 

   1. International sovereignty over rare metals must be part of a French reindustrialization plan

According to the participants in the debate, mineral extraction needs to be the subject of a longer-term strategy than a simple public debate. Of course, the relocation of lithium production to France is an opportunity for sovereignty and independence with regard to this metal. But the absence of limits and objectives on projected needs, lithium outlets, the future of electric cars and uses and lifestyles raises questions about the sustainability of the project.

 

   2. Carbon and biodiversity battle it out 

 Participants were sharply divided between decarbonizing French transport and preserving local biodiversity. Some advocated a more radical ecological vision based on sobriety, criticizing the impact of extraction on living organisms.

 

   3. The State must play a predominant role in project control and governance

The participants were virtually unanimous in calling for uncompromising government control of the Imerys project. The creation of local training, employment and supplier networks was seen as a key factor in the project's success. The participants would like to see local impact studies continue, and involve the public in the governance of the project.

 

   4. Carbon and biodiversity battle it out

The project's carbon footprint, mine waste management, groundwater circulation in the area, availability of water resources, industrial and health risks, post-mining management, local job creation, adverse impacts on local tourism, land-use planning challenges, sharing of mining profits...

3/ Conclusion

 

Tomorrow's successful company is a robust one. It reinvents itself around viable business models that reduce its dependencies (climatic hazards, raw materials, etc.) and win the confidence of investors. With the development of the electric car, companies face new challenges:

  • Marketing challenges, in terms of understanding consumer expectations, making a new offer desirable, and devising new economic models for sobriety, such as leasing and second-hand vehicles.
  • Challenges in assessing and managing their impacts, risks and opportunities, linked for example to their dependence on certain raw materials such as lithium.

 

Discover the summary of the minutes of the public debate

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The business expert :

Béatrice Mory Brigadeau

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