Lithium Mining Strained by Water Scarcity in South America

The world's largest lithium reserves, located in the "Lithium Triangle" of South America, are facing a growing threat: water scarcity. This region, encompassing parts of Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile, contains more than 50% of the planet's lithium, a crucial element in batteries used in electric vehicles and other technologies.

Lithium extraction requires significant amounts of freshwater. The process often involves pumping water from underground aquifers and using it in evaporation ponds to concentrate the lithium. However, the arid climate of the Andean Plateau makes water a precious and limited resource. As lithium mining operations expand to meet increasing global demand, competition for water is intensifying, impacting local communities and ecosystems.

Concerns are rising about the long-term sustainability of lithium mining in the region. Some communities rely on the same water sources used by mining companies, leading to conflicts and potential environmental damage. Finding more sustainable methods for lithium extraction, such as direct lithium extraction (DLE) technologies that use less water, is crucial to mitigating these challenges. The future of lithium production in the Lithium Triangle hinges on finding solutions that balance economic development with environmental protection and the needs of local populations.