An EU goal to boost the use of zero-carbon hydrogen is likely to be a pipe dream unless the bloc can find billions in investment and persuade member states.
Operations have been disrupted after workers have blocked access to the world's second-largest copper mine in the easternmost region of Papua since Monday.
Cochilco said demand for lithium had been muted because of the pandemic, expected at around 75,000 tonnes, but would surge to 1.4 million tonnes by 2030.
Union said the company had agreed a wage increase of 8% for the lowest-paid workers and 6.5% for the highest-paid, but the two parties had disagreed over sick leave.
The deal is necessary for the Debswana Mining Company, jointly held by De Beers and the Botswana government, as it provides the country with around two-thirds of its foreign exchange.
Country gave mining companies an indefinite waiver to an export ban on cobalt hydroxide and carbonate, as well as tin, tungsten, and tantalum concentrates.