Jadarite, earth’s Kryptonite twin, could fuel 90% of Europe’s e-cars

Jadarite, a rare mineral discovered in 2004 in Serbia’s Jadar Basin by Rio Tinto, has gained renewed attention for its potential to significantly impact Europe’s electric vehicle (EV) battery industry. Chemically similar to the fictional Kryptonite from the 2006 film Superman Returns, jadarite contains high concentrations of lithium and boron—two critical elements for green technologies. Lithium is essential for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries powering EVs, while boron is used in fertilizers, smartphone glass, and renewable energy components. Researchers at the Natural History Museum in London have decoded the mineral’s rare formation process, which requires highly specific environmental conditions, making jadarite unique and currently found only in Serbia. The significance of jadarite lies in its potential to supply up to 90% of Europe’s lithium demand for EV batteries, offering a lower-energy extraction alternative compared to traditional lithium sources like spodumene. This could be transformative for Europe’s clean energy transition and reduce reliance on imported