New lithium mines planned for Canada may challenge pollution rules

OTTAWA – Canada’s mining regulations may be lagging behind the global rush to find lithium deposits, the metal that’s inside millions of rechargeable batteries used in cellphones and laptops.

A new report for Environment Canada says existing regulations were written before lithium became such a hot commodity — and may need to be revisited.

Only one mine, in Manitoba, produces lithium ore in Canada, though a Quebec mine is slated to come on stream later this year and there are other proposals for Alberta.

The $18,000 study by a consultant notes Canada’s federal regulations do not specifically refer to lithium-mining operations.

A spokesman for Environment Canada says there currently are no plans to change any environmental safeguards.

There’s a worldwide hunt for lithium sources as experts predict the market for rechargeable batteries is set to ramp up over the next decade and more.