environment
‘The source of all life is here’: plan to mine lithium in Chilean salt flat sparks fears of water scarcity
The Colla Indigenous people claim Rio Tinto’s plans to extract the key mineral will harm fragile ecosystems and livelihoods
TL;DR
- Rio Tinto plans to extract lithium from the Maricunga salt flat in Chile's Atacama desert.
- Indigenous communities, like the Colla people, fear the project will deplete water sources essential for their survival and harm fragile ecosystems.
- Lithium extraction is highly water-intensive, with current methods losing a significant amount of water.
- Rio Tinto states a commitment to responsible water use and minimal impact, exploring Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technologies.
- Experts warn that even DLE could harm the unique flora and fauna of the salt flat.
- Indigenous communities feel they have not been adequately consulted about the project.
- A new political administration in Chile is expected to accelerate private sector-led lithium extraction, potentially weakening environmental regulations.