ECA Committee for Risk Assessment Wants Lithium Salts to be in Category 1A

A major international chemical maker has warned that new draft proposals labeling some materials as “hazardous” could impact negatively investments in the lead and lithium battery sectors in Europe. The European Union (ECA Committee) was forewarned by lithium and battery manufacturers that a proposal to label the metal as hazardous may seriously harm Europe’s expanding electric vehicle industry.

Pharmaceuticals, commercial lubricants, and specialised glasses all make extensive use of lithium, which is also a crucial component of EV batteries. Based in part on research done on humans in the 1980s and 1990s, a proposal being reviewed by the European Commission this month would classify several lithium compounds in the highest category of reproductive and developmental hazards.

Battery sector representatives have already warned EU politicians that the related proposals by the European Chemicals Agency (ECA Committee) to require lead to be included on a chemicals “authorization” register might lead to an investment freeze and scupper Europe’s attempts to reduce carbon emissions.

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The Lead REACH Consortium warned that the plans could jeopardise a variety of EU companies, including those that produce batteries and recycle metal.

Currently, a prospective new “hazard rating” for lithium used in electric vehicles “would have a dangerous influence on the viability of establishing lithium conversion factories in Europe,” according to Albemarle, a US-based producer of specialty chemicals with facilities across the globe.

The ECA Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) is recommending that lithium hydroxide, chloride, and carbonate be classified as “Category 1A” substances, which are known to cause cancer in humans.

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If the proposals go ahead, “lithium carbonate and hydroxide could be processed outside of Europe and then imported, with negative effects on European strategic autonomy”, Albermarle said.

“Inappropriate classification of the three lithium salts would create business uncertainty on which markets could be served, for which applications, but also on the industrial processes and which safety measures and plant requirements would apply, deterring investors from committing to Europe at a crucial time for the entire lithium value chain. Investors could therefore find other markets more attractive,” Albermarle said.

“Similar limitations on investments would likely occur for the recycling of waste batteries and lithium-rich slag, due to regulatory uncertainty caused by this classification.”

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On the questions regarding the future of Albemarle’s Langelsheim plant in Germany at risk, the company said: “While the impact to our specific customers is unclear at this point, we do not anticipate the closure of Langelsheim.”

However, Albemarle said several of Langelsheim’s industrial customers do not use any other 1A substances and “would be forced to implement very strict rules to control the substance or look for alternatives, which are often not available or less performing”.

This would have a “direct impact on the plant revenue, which will already have to face higher operating costs compared to non-EU competitors due to the proposed classification”.