Editorial Board
The Great Lithium Race Could Go Horribly Wrong
In trying to secure supplies of critical materials for the green energy transition, governments should let the market do its job.
Got lithium?
Photographer: John Moore/Getty ImagesWestern leaders are grappling with what they see as a key challenge in the transition to greener energy: how to obtain all the copper, lithium and other critical materials that power grids and electric vehicles will require, without relying too heavily on China.
They’re right to be concerned. But they shouldn’t squander taxpayer money trying to achieve what markets can do better.