The documentary offers a compelling exploration of lithium’s crucial role in Europe’s ambition to become the world’s first climate-neutral continent. At the same time, it seeks to de-escalate the increasingly polarised debate surrounding critical raw materials in Europe. Through a combination of investigative depth and bridge-building storytelling, director-author Peter Tom Jones invites both European civil society and the mining & metals sector to confront – and collaboratively resolve – the contradictions at the heart of Europe’s green tech ambitions. He calls for breaking free from the “lithium trenches” and proposes a novel approach to public engagement. The film argues that Europe cannot achieve climate neutrality without lithium, yet must do so while respecting local environmental, social and cultural values.

The film is funded by the European Commission through the EU Horizon Europe projects LITHOS and EXCEED. It includes coverage of three case studies (Barroso, Beauvoir, Kaustinen), as well as Metso’s LiOH refining process (LITHOS partner) and Umicore’s battery recycling process.

Europe’s Lithium Paradox has raised the debate on lithium by addressing the issue with striking insight and depth, supported by panel discussions and targeted press outreach. The documentary was quickly met with acclaim, winning two awards shortly after its release: Best Environment and Climate Film at the Berlin Kiez Film Festival and an Honourable Mention from the My Name is Climate Film Festival, as well as a selection as a Finalist by the British Columbia Environmental Film Festival Society and a selection by the world’s biggest sustainability film festival: 2025 Big Syn International Film Festival London! This festival is organised by the Big Syn Institute, a part of the Centre for Big Synergy, which is a CSO of the UN. The festival educates and inspires millions to act on United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.