The problem here is that this doesn't put any controls on its comparison. For one thing, the lithium from the EV only needs replenishment sparingly. On the other hand, the fossil fuel extraction is absolutely massive in total scale. Just because it isn't as "visible" as a strip mine doesn't mean the total across all fossil fuel extraction planetwide is somehow less than the extraction for minerals.

That said, they are right to point out that lithium is not environmentally "free", either. And yes, that means EVs are not a cure-all for ALL environmental problems and they shouldn't be treated that way. But here's another thing: they cite Indigenous communities in that article. Many of them ALSO oppose fossil fuel extraction, too. The real trick is MORE radicalism, not less - getting rid of the personal car. Public transport (heck, trams!), work at closer proximity if physical presence is needed, remote if it's not, trying to get more food supplies made locally, eliminating waste (i.e. no more throw-away goods), and so forth.

And of course, even with all the best effort there will still be some environmental impact. But "perfection" is not and should not be the aim, simply stopping the 6th major mass extinction event on Earth which is an event of our own making.