Why “Black Mass” Is Critical

Germany cannot switch to electric vehicles, vital for the green transition, without a reliable supply of lithium and other critical raw ­materials. Recycling and reusing the materials contained in batteries that are already in Europe can reduce dependence on foreign suppliers. However, Germany and Europe cannot rely on joint ventures with ­China but instead need to invest heavily into developing and building up ­capacities of their own. Otherwise, they will be trading one dependency on China for another.