Europe’s decision to encourage the purchase of battery-operated cars for its energy transition raises the demand for lithium with consequences for South America. Chile, Argentina, and Bolivia, which accumulate 60% of the reserves of this mineral, have received dozens of projects to exploit lithium mining in recent months. Research by OjoPúblico’s Cross-Border Investigative Network estimates that lithium extraction has tripled over the past five years in South America, and increased demand is now putting new ecosystems in high Andean areas at risk.

Iván Ruiz @iruiz ivanruiz24@gmail.com

21 Mayo, 2023