Britain is reportedly diverting from EU policy in its plans not to classify lithium car batteries as “toxic” – allowing the UK to speed ahead with its plans to become a production hub for electric vehicles.
In a note to industry, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said it currently had no intention of classifying various lithium compounds as “toxic”, unlike guidelines set out by the European Union.
Lithium is a vital material used in batteries, with companies and governments currently rushing to secure supplies around the world as they ramp up the switch to electric cars and other green technologies.
Paul Atherley, chairman Tees Valley Lithium, which is setting up a factory that will produce battery-grade lithium in Teesside Freeport, said the decision to deviate from EU rules was good news for his company and “an opportunity for the UK”.
Alkemy Capital Investments plc (LON:ALK, FRA: JV2) is focussed on developing projects in the energy transition metals sector. Alkemy’s wholly-owned subsidiary Tees Valley Lithium (TVL) is developing a state of the art lithium hydroxide plant at Teesside, UK. TVL is Europe’s largest independent and sustainable lithium hydroxide producer.