The mining of lithium, a material used in most rechargeable batteries, is essential in the age of electrification, but the process has notable environmental downsides. Now, as Interesting Engineering reports, a “greener” method of harvesting it has surfaced.  In order to support our renewable energy infrastructure and growing adoption of electric vehicles, we’ll need more lithium. Currently, around half of the world’s supply comes from South America and places such as Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile. Miners drill holes in salt flats and pump a mineral-rich brine to the surface, per the article.  Unfortunately, that process uses massive amounts of water. Around 500,000 gallons are used for each ton of lithium obtained, a valuable resource in those arid locations. Additionally, sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide are commonly used in the extraction, which are harmful to ecosystems and local wildlife.