Lithium provides electricity to electric vehicles and stores clean energy, lithium mining impact, but obtaining lithium can pose risks to water and livelihood. A prediction in 2022 stated that demand may increase by at least 300% in a decade.
Methods for Extraction
Lithium is extracted from ore with the help of chemicals in Australia and North America while in Chile, Argentina, and Bolivia it is taken from brine through pumps. The main problem is excessive water consumption in dry climates.
Impact in the Atacama Desert
- Evaporation: Water in brine evaporates from ponds in 18 months. A report from 2025 showed water loss.
- People: Indigenous populations claim the beginning of water deficit is the arrival of lithium and copper mining.
- Ecology: Mining causes a decreased number of two species of flamingoes living in Atacama salt flat.
What Actions Have Been Taken?
SQM committed to reduce brine utilization to 20% in 2020 and to 50% in 2030. Efforts are underway to develop extraction techniques that bypass evaporation. In addition, various researchers called for lithium battery recycling. Experts also point out that brine should be classified as water under the law.
Why It Is Important – lithium mining impact
Lithium is central to clean energy; recycling the lithium battery is the most efficient way to tackle it. How lithium is extracted will determine whether the energy shift is beneficial or detrimental for the surrounding communities.
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