Lithium Triangle mining may strain water sources more than expected, study says.
Global demand for lithium is expected to increase by nearly 500% over the next few decades, as countries invest more in batteries and electric vehicles meant to reduce their carbon footprint. But lithium also brings its own environmental concerns, putting stress on freshwater supplies in the desert areas where the mineral is most common.
Measuring water availability for lithium extraction is still unreliable, especially in South America’s high-altitude Lithium Triangle, home to the world’s largest deposits. More accurate models need to be applied there so mining operations don’t use more water than is available, one recent study argued.
If mining operators continue with their current water usage, it could exacerbate the region’s scarcity problem and lead to the destruction of ecosystems and a crisis for nearby communities.
