Another episode for everyone's earballs to enjoy!! This week's topic was brought to us by one of our wonderful listeners, jo.z.mae, and she wanted to know about the impacts of lithium ore mining vs. fossil fuels. While there is no denying that we need to look towards renewable energy sources and shy away from fossil fuels, we took the opportunity to discuss all things Lithium and more importantly what the implications for using the end product are; such as lithium ion batteries used in electric vehicles.  From the rain shadow desert flats of the Salar de Atacama to Artisanal Mines of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, policies should be in place to now to account for procurement of the various metals, recycling waste, and improving the current infrastructure to support renewables. Awareness need be addressed regarding environmental and human right concerns that arise from the ever shifting power in geopolitics and world trade markets.  Sprinkled in between, we talk New News, break down a new mineral in Mineral Minute, reset things in That Freaking Rocks and we even challenge another geology podcast to a debate. Will they answer the call? Only time will tell. As always, Stay tuned and keep it on the rocks! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/geology-on-the-rocks/support