The first EV developed without metals or minerals highlights the significance of mined resources in creating these technologies
The production of electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy technologies relies heavily on mining resources. eNimon, the first EV developed without metals or minerals, highlights the significance of mined resources in creating these technologies
Around 90% of an average EV is made from mined materials. eNimon, or the Nomine car, has been created without these materials, rendering it entirely transparent and, critically, unable to move.
Mats Eriksson, president at Business Area Mining at Sandvik, said, "Without mining, there are no EVs, no wind turbines, no solar panels. Sustainable mining is the backbone of the green transition and fundamental to achieving global sustainability goals."
As the world moves further towards sustainability, current mining output struggles to meet the growing demand for the essential minerals for clean energy technologies. EVs, wind turbines, and solar panels depend on critical materials such as lithium, copper, and nickel; however, supply is falling short of demand.
Some examples include:
- An EV requires six times as many mineral inputs as a conventional vehicle.
- An onshore wind plant needs nine times more mineral resources than a gas-fired plant.
- To meet net-zero goals by 2050, up to five times today's production of lithium, nickel, and cobalt is needed.
Sandvik is working to address this issue by emphasising the role of sustainable mining in developing the technologies essential to the world's electrification. eNimon is on display at the National Museum of Science and Technology in Stockholm, Sweden.
Eriksson said, "eNimon symbolises what's at stake if the world fails to recognise and expand mining's essential contributions to sustainable development. This installation challenges perceptions of mining, not as a dirty, outdated industry, but as a high-tech, innovative and essential enabler of the green technologies shaping our future."
