About the Project
The global transition to electrified transport is driving unprecedented demand for battery minerals such as lithium and cobalt, frequently extracted in ecologically sensitive biodiversity hotspots - notably, nickel-cobalt production in Indonesia and the Philippines and copper/lithium production in the high-Andes. However, biodiversity risks remain poorly mapped and weakly integrated into risk assessment, with existing approaches operating at mismatched spatial scales, from localised environmental impact assessments (EIAs) to global sustainability reporting. This creates a disconnect between local ecological impacts and strategic supply chain decisions.
This PhD addresses this gap by combining spatial ecological analysis, comparative tool evaluation and case study evidence to develop a spatially explicit, evidence-based approach to identifying and evaluating biodiversity risk across lithium supply chains, using case studies from the UK and South America, structured around four research questions.
First, what are the strengths, limitations and data gaps of existing biodiversity assessment approaches for supply-chain decision-making? The project critically compares analytical tools (life cycle assessment, EIAs, spatial mapping, emerging risk modelling) and frameworks (the mitigation hierarchy, ICMM principles) for their ability to inform CSRD, TNFD and SBTN implementation.
Second, where are the highest biodiversity risks located across lithium supply chains, and how do these vary by region and production stage? Building on UoB/BGS spatial mapping methods, the project overlays biodiversity hotspot data (IBAT, IUCN Red List, Key Biodiversity Areas, protected areas, species-richness layers), strengthened by eDNA and bioacoustic monitoring, with georeferenced supply chain data (Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Earth Observation (EO) and hydrological modelling) to distinguish direct impacts (habitat loss, fragmentation) from indirect impacts (land-use change, water stress, pollution).
Third, what risks identified through spatial analysis are omitted or underrepresented in existing reporting frameworks? Findings are compared against submitted EIAs to identify reporting gaps and inform EIA methodology.
Fourth, what mitigation strategies exist, and how can they best be deployed? The project evaluates siting, technology choice and pollution control mechanisms for their effectiveness and practical constraints.
In collaboration with industry, NGOs, regulators and sustainability practitioners, the student will synthesise their findings into a practical, coherent and transferable framework for integrating biodiversity risk into mineral governance and responsible sourcing.
For further information on this project and details of how to apply to it please visit https://centa.ac.uk/studentship/2027-b15-embedding-biodiversity-protection-into-battery-supply-chains/
Further information on how to apply for a CENTA studentship can be found on the CENTA website: https://centa.ac.uk/apply/
Funding notes
This project is offered through the CENTA3 DLA, funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). Funding covers: annual stipend, tuition fees (at home-fee level), Research Training Support Grant.
Academic requirements: at least a 2:1 at UK BSc level or a pass at UK MSc level or equivalent.
Further information: https://centa.ac.uk/apply/
International students are eligible for studentships to a maximum of 30% of the cohort. Funding does not cover any additional costs relating to moving or residing in the UK. International applicants must fulfil the University of Birmingham’s international student entry requirements, including English language. Further information: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/pgt/requirements-pgt/international/index.aspx
References
Sharma S. S., Edge J. S. and Mumford J. D. (2025) ‘Connecting rising electric vehicle demand to potential land use impacts and threats to biodiversity near key lithium mining areas’, Sustainable Science and Technology, 2, 044004, 10.1088/[contact details available in the full listing]/ae158a.
