Mining materials for EVs harmful to environment? BMW aims to mitigate that

It is common knowledge that mining for raw materials to make components for EVs such as batteries and electric motor negatively impacts the environment. However, BMW intends to reduce the impact by taking charge in every part of their supply chain.

The BMW Group has taken a stake in US-based company, Jetti Resources. The goal is to foster responsible and resource-conserving copper extraction to address rising demand in a more sustainable way. Copper is an important raw material to produce electric drivetrains in EVs.

Jetti Resources’ method allows copper mines to use heap leaching on these ores, which causes around 40% fewer CO2 emissions compared to traditional raw material extraction and uses only approximately 50% of the water.

“By investing in Jetti, we are supporting technological progress in the field of copper extraction, with a focus on responsible and resource-conserving methods,” says Wolfgang Obermaier, Head of Indirect Goods and Services, Raw Materials, Production Partners of the BMW Group.

“This new process has the potential to improve the environmental footprint and integrity of our supply chain, even with growing demand for resources like copper” Obermaier adds.

BMW has previously announced that as early as 2030, at least half of BMW group’s global sales will consist of fully electric vehicles.

Also read: Well done! To build more EV batteries, we will soon be mining the ocean floor for minerals

Source: Mining materials for EVs harmful to environment? BMW aims to mitigate that