The source of all life is here': plan to mine lithium in Chilean salt flat sparks fears of water scarcity

"She also keeps chickens and has planted quince and peach trees and grapevines, which are watered by a stream winding down the hills towards the Indigenous community of Copiapo. But now the huge British-Australian mining multinational Rio Tinto has signed a deal to extract lithium, the white gold of the energy transition, from a salt flat farther up the mountains,"

"Lithium is a critical element for manufacturing smartphones, laptops, electric vehicles and battery storage for wind and solar farms, but its extraction is highly water-intensive. The project will pose a direct threat to the Colla Indigenous people living here, says Lesley Munoz Rivera, secretary of the Copiapo Indigenous community. The Maricunga salt flat is the source of all life here. Hydrological studies suggest that it is the source of our water. It's a sacred place for us."

"All commercial lithium production in Chile currently uses an evaporation method: water is pumped from natural salt lagoons into pools, where it is exposed to sunlight for 18 months, leaving behind lithium salts. Between 85% and 95% of the water is lost in the process. Rio Tinto acknowledges the sensitive environments where it will operate and emphasises its commitment to responsible water use and minimal impact on local communities and ecosystems."

Miriam Rivera Bordones manages goats, chickens, quince and peach trees and grapevines irrigated by a mountain stream near Copiapo. Rio Tinto and state-owned Codelco have agreed to develop Salar de Maricunga, Chile's second-largest salt flat at 3,760 metres. Lithium extraction is highly water-intensive and current Chilean commercial production uses evaporation ponds that lose 85–95% of pumped water. Hydrological studies indicate the salt flat supplies local water and the Colla Indigenous people regard it as sacred. The project risks reducing water availability for crops, livestock and communities. Rio Tinto states a commitment to responsible water use and minimal local impact.

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