PBS NewsHour

Companies race to mine lithium, a battery essential

The metal lithium has become integral to our daily lives, due to its essential role as a battery material in electronic devices. Over the next several decades, the rising popularity of electric vehicles is expected to mean the demand for lithium will increase even more -- so companies that mine the metal are racing to improve their productivity. Science correspondent Miles O’Brien reports.

Companies race to mine lithium, a battery essential

7m 21s

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