I am a research scientist working on the responsible sourcing of raw materials, having previously worked in both the environmental and mining industries. I am currently working to better understand the environmental impacts of lithium mining, within the wider framework of responsible sourcing on the Lithium for Future Technology (LiFT) project. I previously worked on the Mining & Metallurgy Regions of Europe (MIREU) Project. My areas of expertise includes lithium, life-cycle assessment, social-licence to operate, European mining and strategic twinning.

 

The LiFT project is a NERC funded project that will investigate all aspects of the lithium cycle, and develop a new quantitative understanding of the processes linking all deposit types that will underpin the search for new, sustainable Li resources. The LiFT consortium includes researchers from the British Geological Survey, the Natural History Museum, and the universities of Edinburgh, Exeter, and Southampton, together with an international group of project partners.

 

My work will be focussed on predicting & mitigating the environmental impacts of lithium production from different styles of deposits using Life Cycle Analysis with project partners Minviro. The results will be considered in the wider framework of responsible sourcing and will help inform decision and policy makers.

 

The MIREU (Mining and Metallurgy Regions of the EU) project was a H2020 funded project which established a network of mining and metallurgy regions across Europe, leading to the creation of the Council of Mining & Metallurgy Regions (CoMMER). Helping the regions share knowledge & experiences to help ensure a sustained and sustainable supply of mineral raw materials to the EU, enabling progress towards a low carbon economy. The MIREU consortium included researchers, consultants, NGOs and industry partners more than 32 institutions across 13 European regions.

 

My work was focussed on a strategic twinning project between Saxony (Germany) and Cornwall, and developing Social Licence to Operate (SLO) Guidelines, Toolkit and Model to be used across Europe.