The invisibles of energy transition: lithium workers

Presentation of a research project as part of the "Jeudis de la Maison Suger", a residents' research seminar.

This session will bring together Nuria Giniger for a reflection on labour conditions in the lithium sector, central to the challenges of the energy transition and contemporary socio-environmental debates.

Presentation of the project

"In the global consensus on climate change, the energy transition is often presented as the primary solution to reduce CO₂ emissions. Lithium holds a key position in this process as a crucial component of batteries for electric vehicles, driving a green economy. Yet, lithium workers — whether in mining extraction, processing, or recycling — are largely absent from these debates. This research seeks to highlight these essential actors by focusing on their profiles, working conditions, and their role in political and environmental discussions. By incorporating these workers and their unions, the project aims to rethink the energy transition from a more socially inclusive perspective."

Speaker

Nuria Giniger is a researcher at CONICET, based at the Centre for Labour Studies and Research (CEIL). She teaches at the University of Buenos Aires (UBA) and the National University of Comahue (UNCO). Specialising in labour studies, she currently leads a research project on lithium workers in the context of the energy transition.