“The War Below,” an excellent look at lithium and copper mining

After decades of working in the software industry, I recently moved to another technology industry. It’s been a blast, learning a lot, and there’s some overlap as software is still a very important component in industry solutions. Due to work, this column hasn’t been as busy as in years past, but I’ve still been reading about artificial intelligence (AI) and, as an avid reader, I enjoy reviewing books.

Recently on the new books shelves in my library was the book “The War Below” by Ernest Scheyder. The subtitle is “Lithium, Copper and the Global Battle to Power Our Lives.” As I am now in the energy management sector, I just had to get it and I am very glad I did. The book is an excellent read.

The author is a journalist and the book shows his skills. It is a combination of detailed facts and interesting stories. And above all, it is very balanced.

Although the book covers copper, it’s no surprise that lithium is of utmost importance and focus. Lithium is the current technology that powers batteries, and it’s more than just the small rechargeable batteries you use around the house. Electric vehicles (EVs) are (yes, I couldn’t help myself) powered by lithium-ion batteries. Lithium is also used in larger batteries used to store solar energy and other sources, both in the home and in storage stations. Although newer technologies like saltwater batteries are being developed, lithium is still the main chemical component for modern battery technology.

The trade-off, as Mr. Scheyder explains very well, is that mining to extract the chemical that is supposed to help minimize global warming and other environmental hazards can cause its own damage. It seems that mining is still based on 19^th Century laws and technologies, although it drives 21^st Solutions of the century.

Throughout the book, the needs and challenges are clearly presented, from the suburbs to the mining areas. The business challenges are also well presented. There is also a description of the geopolitical issues involved – and this is my opinion and not the author’s – namely that for decades the US has ignored the importance of building relationships with nations and foreign companies and even neglected the State Department to strengthen national security in a sector where the availability of these resources is so important.

The only minor criticism I have is that I would have liked to have heard more about possible regulations and laws that would help the industry move towards more sustainable practice. This does not detract from my high praise for the book, as it only covers a limited amount.