CIRAN collaborates with KU Leuven’s “Europe’s Lithium Paradox” documentary screening in Lisbon, Portugal

On June 4th, CIRAN was proudly involved in the première event of the documentary “Europe’s Lithium Paradox” (Journeyman Pictures), held at Laboratório Nacional de Engenharia Civil (LNEC) in Lisbon, Portugal. In this documentary, KU Leuven’s Institute for Sutainable Metals and Minerals (SIM2) Director, Peter Tom Jones, embarks on a journey across Europe, determined to uncover the roots of this paradox. The production of the documentary involved several local and regional stakeholders in visits to potential mines and refineries. Overall, the message portrayed is that sustainable value chains could potentially reduce Europe’s reliance on mining, while a responsible approach to lithium mining in Europe is vital.

On this note, the Lisbon première was the perfect occasion to bring together policymakers, researchers, industry representatives, researchers, and civil society to explore Europe’s dependence on external lithium sources and the societal, environmental, and geopolitical challenges associated with Europe’s demand for Critical Raw Materials.

Noting the relevant synergies between Tom Jones’ initiative and the our research project, CIRAN closely cooperated with KU Leuven’s SIM2 Director to co-organise the event, contributing to shaping the dialogue and participating in the session. Indeed, Vitor Correia, CIRAN Project Coordinator and INTRAW’s Secretary-General opened the debate with an insightful conversation with Peter Tom Jones and Susana Xará, representative from the European Commission’s Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA), funding body of the CIRAN project.

Similarly to CIRAN’s findings observed throughout the past 3 years in community engagement and co-creation activities, the discussion emphasised that, while sustainable lithium mining is technically feasible, it demands a robust legal framework, transparent governance, and meaningful and long-lasting value-sharing with local communities. It also called for a holistic narrative on climate change mitigation and adaptation solutions, prioritising circular strategies such as further investment and offer of shared mobility and sustainable public transportation options, while ensuring societal justice and acceptability.

Learn more about the “Europe’s Lithium Paradox” documentary

This documentary film has been co-produced by SIM2 (KU Leuven), whose mission is “to advance the sustainable production and recycling of metals, minerals, and engineered materials through problem-driven, science-deep research, future-oriented education, and wider-society learning”.

Through this documentary, the film’s producers seek to foster constructive dialogue among environmental and other NGOs, industry, policymakers, academia, and trade unions. Together, through public engagement and multi-stakeholder initiatives, we can achieve Europe’s climate targets while preserving local environments and cultures.

Funding for this documentary comes from Horizon Europe project funding -LITHOS and EXCEED projects. However, views and opinions expressed are those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union, HaDEA, or CINEA. Neither the EU nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. It has been co-funded by KU Leuven, including through KU Leuven’s crowdfunding platform.

The Documentary had previously been released in Antwerp, Belgium, on the 27th of May. The respective Press Release can be found here.

CIRAN extends its gratitude to the organisers for offering the project the opportunity to participate and build synergies with this initiative and similar EU-funded projects, and thanks them for their excellent organisation and support in making this event a success. We look forward to future collaboration towards Europe’s sustainable mining and socially-just future.

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