As lithium powers our smartphones and electric vehicles, lithium extraction has dire consequences on the environment and in many cases, on indigenous communities. Much of the lithium ion is mined from what is referred to as the “lithium triangle,” which includes regions in Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile, especially on the Atacama Plateau. There are over 400 indigenous communities inhabiting the impacted regions. Due to the increase in consumption of items powered by lithium batteries, lithium extraction has become a highly profitable industry. However, for the residents of the communities situated in lithium mining areas, the risks outweigh the benefits. Specifically, the lifestyles of these communities are being threatened because of a dire water crisis. 

The communities closest to the extraction areas are the most vulnerable to and concerned about water depletion and potential water contamination. In the Atacama Plateau, lithium is extracted using a “brine evaporation technique” which entails evaporation from under salt flats and requires large amounts of water to complete the process. The newer extraction practice adds to other sources of water depletion which have been pursued for generations. In Chile, the government has heavily relied on copper and nitrates from this area for revenue. The mining industry in this region has been criticized for causing water scarcity, especially Minera Escondida and Minera Zaldívar, which are the Salar de Atacama Basin’s central copper and nitrates mines. Such factors are worsening the issues related to water scarcity, especially as the region only receives “less than four inches of rain a year.” Water depletion is exacerbated by outdated laws. For example, Chile had privatized mineral and water access in the 1980 Constitution and the 1981 Mining and Water Codes, both under the Pinochet dictatorship. This water code enabled the government to allow private owners access to free water rights, which limits government regulation on managing Chile’s water supply. Consequently, it would be in the best interests of Chile and other nations in the region to take legislative action to address such challenges.

Furthermore, the nation does not track the water consumption from the lithium mining brines, which suggests a lack of transparency about the environmental stress caused by lithium extraction. This environmental stress is also impacting the native species in the Lithium Triangle. According to a study by the British Royal Society, there is a negative correlation between lithium mining and the amount of the endemic species. There was a 10 and 12% decrease in the populations of the James’ and Andean flamingos, respectively. This demonstrates a highly drastic alteration to the habitat of species in the area. 

The Chileans most affected by water scarcity are the indigenous communities who live near the Andean region. The water scarcity is harming local employees, especially farmers who require water for their own jobs, or may have to acquire water through other means. It has also contributed to a livestock and agricultural decrease, like cultivating corn, quinoa, and other vegetables. Some communities are even being pushed into different areas. For example, the indigenous Colla community is a nomadic group closely connected to nature and the water through their ancient beliefs and traditions. However, due to the lithium mining almost 70% of this community now resides in a more urban area. The process of lithium mining itself can cause air and water pollution due to the chemical and metals utilized. Considering the increase in lithium mining, many worry that the events in Tibet will also occur in the “Lithium Triangle”. In 2009, toxic chemicals from one of the lithium mines leaked into a Tibetan river, polluting the water, which became filled with the poisoned, dead fish. Such events demonstrate the history that lithium mining has had in terms of impacting local communities. 

Unfortunately, the agreements enabling extraction are possible because they focus on what occurs below the surface of land, rather than the lives impacted above it. Under such circumstances, water scarcity is worsening, and indigenous communities have little say on the matter. According to The Washington Post, Pasto Chicos, one of the communities situated in a lithium mining area, “already has to have potable water trucked in.” The corporations involved in extraction claim to help the local communities, boosting the economy through employment and investment opportunities. A representative of a lithium company, Sales de Jujuy, states, “We worked very, very closely with the local community.” However, indigenous communities have expressed objections against lithium mining. 

This past summer, indigenous groups, particularly from the Jujuy region in Argentina, marched to Buenos Aires, in an effort to share their concerns and demand action to improve the situation. The protest occurred after the Argentine Government was constitutionally questioned for potential violations committed against the Jujuy. Protesters claimed the government  violated the International Labour Organization’s Convention 169, which was intended to ensure respect for indigenous groups’ sovereignty. Article 6 of Convention 169 specifically requires that nations consult indigenous communities about issues or decisions that may impact them or their way of life. However, decisions made by the government regarding lithium extraction and other mining practices were allegedly avoiding consultation with impacted indigenous communities. Furthermore, those who marched from Jujuy also sought to oppose the government’s proposed ban regarding protests against its actions. As the protests turned violent, the police employed tear gas and rubber bullets and 100 people were injured. 

Indigenous communities in the “lithium triangle” are advocating for the preservation of their way of life while protesting against the power structures that have continued to prioritize industries and corporations conducting lithium extraction. Despite such protests, lithium ion is being swept up by big companies such as Apple, Amazon, or Toyota, among others. It is imperative that the governments of Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile address the problem and prioritize the environment and rights of indigenous populations over business and profits. As we continue using lithium batteries in our everyday lives, communities found in impacted areas in countries including Chile and Argentina are losing their decision making power in regards to their wellbeing while also facing water scarcity and pollution.