As Europe races toward its climate neutrality goals, one metal has emerged as a symbol of both promise and paradox: lithium. It powers our electric vehicles, stores renewable energy, and underpins green industrial policy—but where should it come from, how should it be mined, and who gets to decide?
These are the questions at the heart of the award-winning new documentary Europe’s Lithium Paradox, which will be screened at SLO Tallinn 2025 on 16 September, hosted by the Geological Survey of Estonia as part of its programme on social licence to operate in the mineral sector.
A Film Born from Urgency and Dialogue
Directed by Stijn van Baarle and presented by Dr. Peter Tom Jones (Director of SIM² KU Leuven), the 56-minute film offers an unflinching look at the complex trade-offs facing Europe as it seeks to secure critical raw materials for the green transition.
Produced by Storyrunner in collaboration with the KU Leuven Institute for Sustainable Metals and Minerals, and co-funded by the Horizon Europe projects LITHOS and EXCEED, the film takes viewers on a road trip through Europe’s lithium supply chain—from proposed mine sites to cutting-edge recycling facilities.
In a first for European audiences, the film crew was granted access to Umicore’s battery recycling smelter and Metso’s lithium refining plant, both of which showcase cleaner, more circular technologies that could point the way forward.
The Paradox at the Core
Despite having significant lithium reserves, Europe currently has no operational lithium mines or full-scale refineries. The continent remains dependent on imports—particularly from China—raising strategic, environmental, and ethical concerns.
At the same time, proposed lithium projects across Europe have sparked strong local opposition, revealing a deep disconnect between policy ambition and community acceptance.
The film grapples with this tension and asks:
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Can Europe lead in responsible mining without sacrificing local environments and cultures?
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Will the Critical Raw Materials Act be enough to build public trust?
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Can we shift not just our technology, but also our values, toward a more just and inclusive transition?
Building Bridges, Not Trenches
According to presenter Peter Tom Jones, the goal of the film is not to take sides, but to build bridges between civil society and the mining and metals industry:
“Only by working together can we move forward and overcome Europe’s lithium paradox. We need bold legal frameworks, better technologies, but above all—genuine public engagement. This film is an invitation to step out of the trenches and co-create a responsible model for resource development.”
Awards & Recognition
Since its release in May 2025, Europe’s Lithium Paradox has already been recognised with multiple honours:
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🏆 Best Environment and Climate Film – Kiez Berlin Film Festival
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🏅 Honourable Mention – My Name is Climate Film Festival, Birmingham
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🏆 Nominated – British Columbia Environmental Film Festival, Canada
It has been screened at high-level events across Europe, including in Antwerp, Lisbon, Delft, and Berlin, always followed by vibrant panel discussions that connect technical, political, and ethical perspectives.
At SLO Tallinn 2025, the film will be followed by a short discussion reflecting on its relevance for the Nordic-Baltic context.