Blockchain technology a ‘great way of capturing supply chain ESG data for battery

Improvements in battery technology are helping drive the electric vehicle industry but increasing demand for battery metals is turning the spotlight on ESG issues in mining, according to a webinar discussion between Hamad Ebrahim, head of research at and Mark Copley, associate professor at the WMG department at the University of Warwick.

While increasing demand for metals for batteries, such as lithium, nickel, cobalt and manganese is turning the spotlight on ESG issues in metal mining, Ebrahim says blockchain technology will play an important role in addressing these concerns and ensuring metals are responsibly sourced.

“Blockchain technology is a great way of using technology to capture supply chain ESG data and empowering consumers and investors to make a difference,” he said.

The pair also talked about the expected growth in global electric vehicle sales and use of batteries for powering ships and aircraft such as electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) and drones.

Noting battery technology improvements in recent years, Ebrahim noted that significant efficiency and capacity increases have come as higher concentrations of nickel are used, somewhat muddying the waters for ESG as metal mining suffers from a poor environmental and social reputation.

NTree International, which has expertise in investor education and the distribution of ETFs, promotes its Global Palladium Fund in Europe and organised the webinar entitled ‘Battery Technology: An industry of the future?’.

To watch a recording of the webinar go to https://www.brighttalk.com/channel/17849/