Mining, Technology, and Its Impact on National Defense
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If we consider Chile's potential, as outlined in the 2050 mining strategy, along with the multiple applications in both the market and national development, it becomes imperative to anticipate today the impact that this condition will have on our national defense.
To date, a group of over 200 experts convened by the current government has developed a proposal for a “National Mining Policy”[1], with a horizon extending to 2050. More than a thousand individuals from various institutions, regions, companies, and organizations participated directly and indirectly in this initiative. The idea is to articulate a strategy similar to that developed in the previous government, called “Energy 2050.”
The rationale behind the ongoing initiative is that, as a result of climate change, a tremendous opportunity arises for Chilean mining, necessitating a strategic shift to anticipate its main effects. It is assumed that global demand for copper and lithium will grow due to accelerated electrification, electromobility, the Internet of Things, digitalization, renewable energies, and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
In doing so, it clearly and distinctly articulates the enormous potential of the country in this area. The National Mining Policy states that Chile holds 23% of the world’s copper reserves and 51% of lithium reserves, while in global production, copper accounts for 28% and lithium for 22%. If we also consider that lithium is a mineral abundant in our country and crucial for the development of future electric vehicles, where lithium batteries are the primary energy source, the question arises: what potential advantage could the military’s capabilities gain from this reality? This leads to some reflections that we share in this brief article.
Mining, Technology, and National Defense
A first consideration is that lithium batteries used in electric vehicles are also crucial in military applications and their various platforms. In this regard, it would be very beneficial to evaluate military energy consumption, both in training and operational performance, to visualize a strategy that entails efficient use, reduced environmental impact, and greater availability in weapon systems, thereby increasing time and freedom of action in operations and enhancing their capacity for invisibility[2].
Additionally, diversifying energy sources and ensuring adequate energy storage capacity would reduce vulnerability to disruptions in logistics lines caused by an adversary that will always seek to affect them. In other words, in the use of force, one of the centers of gravity considered by all opponents is to target the energy sources of the counterpart.
Indeed, it is currently possible to diversify these energy sources. It is appropriate to state that new forms of energy and their storage now represent a real possibility, given the scientific and technological developments that can lead us to valuable energy sources, such as advanced batteries, which can enhance the ability to sustain weapon platforms, weapon systems, and personnel on the battlefield. One of the most relevant elements is the capacity to install sensors and autonomous weapon systems capable of capturing and storing energy from solar or wind sources, without human involvement, positioned in specific locations to control areas, access points, and exercise surveillance, thereby producing deterrence through their response capability.
On a global scale, the most advanced military forces will require more efficient energy sources to cover the vast distances involved. This issue also affects our country, given its geographical configuration and extensive length in land, maritime, and aerial scenarios. In summary, it can be asserted that new energy sources—such as more efficient batteries—could not only improve mobility but also enhance force projection, with more robust capabilities and platforms, as well as the surveillance of areas of responsibility.
These new forms of energy sources are more invisible and difficult to detect compared to the heat emissions of traditional internal combustion engines. It is not science fiction to envision ground combat vehicles powered solely by electric motors in the near future, or at least of the hybrid type. Additionally, such vehicles could serve as energy sources for other more portable weapon systems related to exploration, reconnaissance, command and control, target identification, target recognition, unmanned aerial and ground reconnaissance platforms, etc. Overall, a new energy source has the potential to diversify and benefit countless applications. For example, the greatest applications of batteries are found in submarines, which, operating in an oxygen-free environment underwater, cannot burn fuel. Submarine batteries are of extremely high technical complexity and would be directly benefited
Additionally, this potential capability will also benefit the individual soldier by enabling them to become part of a broader information and command and control network, thereby enhancing their security and autonomy. We can anticipate that the mobile energy capacity an individual soldier carries into combat will see exponential growth in the next ten years. This does not necessarily mean an increase in the weight of their load.
In another dimension, the potential use of batteries can benefit the next generation of weapons, such as electromagnetic warfare systems. Today, it is a reality that this spectrum, or dimension of the use of force, is employed to disrupt communications, destroy military equipment, enhance surveillance, reconnaissance, and intelligence; detect enemy forces; and additionally, as an effective and relatively low-cost weapon, to disable or destroy unmanned systems, which are expected to increase in number and diversification.
In the new dimensions of the use of force, in cyberspace and in space, the ability to access more efficient energy sources is already a necessity; consequently, we should also anticipate their application in this area with the appropriate foresight.
It is true that the potential of these new capabilities and energy sources—being a reality today—does not fully meet the necessary demand to address the wide range of missions and energy requirements in the combat field, but technology is allowing us to reasonably approach this condition in less time than we might imagine.
Reflections
Today, it is a reality that the lithium market, in the fierce global mining competition, is experiencing the impact of this rivalry. In the processing of this mineral, China already controls approximately 60% of this market. In the assembly of lithium batteries in gigafactories worldwide, it is estimated that the current number is close to 180; of this total, 130 are located in China. Regarding recycling, nearly 70% of this activity is carried out solely in China and South Korea[3].
If we consider Chile’s potential, as outlined in the 2050 mining strategy, along with the multiple applications in both the market and national development, it becomes imperative to anticipate today the impact that this condition will have on our national defense. In other words, as a national competitive advantage and availability, it can be applied, alongside the country’s development, to the realm of national defense, making it more efficient and sustainable, while additionally cooperating with the conservation of our national environment and improving the commercial, political, and strategic valuation of the deposits, territory, and infrastructure that supports the lithium industry.
This entails the need to think strategically today to foresee a scenario that is already just around the corner. This strategy must undoubtedly articulate the orientations of the State through the government, incorporating the private sector, universities, research centers, and the national defense industry, so that together—this virtuous triangle of efforts—can realize the potential competitive advantages of our country, leading, innovating, integrating, and contributing dual-use solutions to both the private sector and the state through national defense[4]. For example, national defense can become a laboratory for the research and implementation of new dual-use technologies, which, once developed, can radiate into other areas of national development.
[1] https://www.politicanacionalminera.cl/
[2] Other armed forces and armies have been promoting policies in this regard for over a decade. See: Dorothy Robin and Jeffrey Marqusee. “The Clean Energy Dividend: Military Investment in Energy, Technology and What it Means for Civilian Energy Innovation.” Information Technology and Innovation Foundation. March 2019. Available at https://www2.itif.org/2019-clean-energy-dividend.pdf. “Powering Future Operations: Net Zero Challenges & Opportunities” Defence Suppliers Forum Research Technology & Innovation Group (RTIG). UK. 2020. Available at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/967965/Energy_and_Power_Deep_Dive_Final.pdf
[3] Nadia Schadlow and Arthur L. Herman. “Battery Power.” Hoover Digest. Fall 2021. No. 4. The Hoover Institution. Stanford University. California. USA. p. 26.
[4] The “Avante” challenge developed in 2020-2021 by the Chilean Navy is a very good example of the above and is currently in execution, successfully integrating efforts from the private sector, universities, and defense into original, national, and dual-use solutions for both the private market and the defense sector.
