Beyond lithium: Tackling the looming crisis of beryllium and thallium pollution in ore processing

The rapid global expansion of clean energy technologies has elevated lithium to a position of strategic importance. However, its extraction—particularly from hard-rock ores—is accompanied by a significant but under-recognized environmental burden: the mobilization of highly toxic elements beryllium (Be) and thallium (Tl). Current extraction technologies, notably the flotation–roasting–leaching process dominant in China, pose substantial risks. This process produces 8-50 tonnes of slag per tonne of lithium carbonate, with Be/Tl concentrations far exceeding drinking water safety limits. The root challenge lies in the limited understanding of Be and Tl nanoscale occurrence within ores and waste matrices, which hampers efforts toward clean processing, effective waste stabilization, and safe residue reuse. This Perspective outlines the emerging environmental crisis posed by Be/Tl release, identifies the structural knowledge gap as the core bottleneck, and proposes an interdisciplinary framework that leverages advanced characterization techniques—such as 3D electron diffraction, micro-focused X-ray diffraction, and correlative trace-element mapping—to unravel Be/Tl occurrence and guide structural-based mitigation strategies. Addressing this hidden cost is imperative for achieving a truly sustainable lithium value chain.