Efforts to Green Lithium Extraction Face Scrutiny
Direct lithium extraction has been hailed as a way to reduce mining impacts in South America.
Mining companies are showcasing new technologies to extract more lithium from South America's vast, dry salt flats with lower environmental impacts.
However, environmentalists question whether the expensive technology is ready to be rolled out at scale, while scientists warn it could worsen the depletion of scarce freshwater resources in the region.
The Lithium Triangle
The "lithium triangle" – an area spanning Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile – holds more than half of the world's known lithium reserves.
- Lithium is found in salty brine beneath the region's salt flats.
- The region is among the driest places on Earth.
Lithium mining in the region has soared, driven by booming demand to manufacture batteries for electric vehicles (EVs) and large-scale energy storage.
More research is needed.
Author's summary: Lithium extraction faces scrutiny over water use and environmental impacts.