battery

Minerals like lithium and copper are needed in large quantities for electric vehicle batteries, solar panels, and other renewable technologies to replace fossil fuels.

From lead-acid battery smelters to rocket testing facilities, heavy industry over the past century in California has left large swathes of land imbued with dangerous chemicals.

Christina Fulton sued 34-year-old Weston Cage for assault and battery last month, and accused Cage of negligence, claiming the star had failed to prevent their son's alleged behaviour.

The country is currently the world's largest supplier of cobalt - which has defence and aerospace applications as well as being essential for batteries in electric vehicles - but most of this goes to China.

Once these batteries ignite, they cannot be put out using water and must be left in a secure area to gradually release gas.