(v:5 artisanal pronounced – aar-ti-zuh-nuhl )
It starts with the surveys and searching for samples
that bears just a hint of mineral ore.
Maybe it’s copper or cobalt or nickel –
they’re precious – they’re needed – we’ll always need more.
Then mining explosions and wastewater runoff
for minerals squeezed from rocks and from ore –
to power one car with battery storage.
The cost is extensive – too much to ignore.
Pure lithium too – in critical need;
one sixty pounds plus – for one Tesla S.
That’s 15 tons average of ore for each car:
is the cost of such mining ever assessed?
When mining King Copper – 100 tons ore
is needed to squeeze out one ton of copper.
Of minerals mined – copper’s most needed
the king of them all – Copper’s the Topper.
And not often noted – the Congolese people –
artisanal miners who dig cobalt ore.
Just read Cobalt Red – Kara’s new book;
learn of – human costs – that can’t be ignored.
Then transport and process – do all that is needed
for battery power from mineral dust.
And this just the mining – has all cost been tallied?
To total the costs seems worth the fuss.
Add “turbines for wind and panels for sunshine
and stations for charging” – so we’re advised!
And “Kill Fossil Fuel!!”?? Hey! – it’s too soon!!
You know that the grid needs to double in size!
(The Random Poet:02212023
www.therandompoet.com)
<<<< selected sources include: www.epa.gov/radiation/tenorm-copper-mining-and-production-wastes; international energy association – www.iea.org/fuels-and-technology/renewables; national public radio – npr.org – How Modern Day Slavery in the Congo Powers the Rechargeable Battery Economy – Terry Gross – Feb 1, 2023; The California Insider – summer 2022 – Cost of Electric Cars and Their Batteries – www.youtube.com/shorts/XV9ijKAubfU >>>>