The lithium extraction in Fiambalá is generating controversy in northern Argentina, where residents, researchers, and tour operators are warning about the decreasing water levels in the lagoons and the potential damage to the local ecosystem.
With lithium in the spotlight as a vital resource for the transition to clean energy, concerns are growing about its impact on the high Andean lagoons, biodiversity, and water availability, all crucial aspects for life and the economy in the region.
One of the main concerns is the Tres Quebradas mining project, which has raised alarms for its potential adverse effects on wetlands and local tourism.
The lagoons in Fiambalá, such as Laguna Verde, Laguna Negra, and Laguna Celeste, form a delicate interconnected water system. Experts warn that intensive lithium extraction could destabilize this balance.
The evaporation process to obtain lithium consumes large amounts of water, putting pressure on water resources and threatening Andean wildlife.
Local residents claim that the mining has lowered the water level of Laguna Verde by up to five meters, coinciding with the expansion of operations by the Chinese company Zijin-Liex, which requires large volumes of water.
Lithium Extraction in Fiambalá
Studies indicate that intense extraction in the salt flats could affect both surface and underground water reserves, altering the natural ecosystem.
The evaporative method for lithium production may require between 1 and 2 million liters of water per ton, putting great pressure on the Andean wetlands and affecting species such as flamingos, vicuñas, and guanacos.
The drop in water levels in the lagoons is also felt in the tourism sector, essential for the local economy, which is facing a decrease in visitors and difficulties in water supply.
Communities are demanding independent investigations to assess the true impact of mining on water, air, and soil.
So far, no definitive reports have been published clarifying whether the drop in water levels is exclusively due to mining or also to factors such as climate change.
The situation in Fiambalá illustrates a growing dilemma: although lithium is crucial for reducing emissions, its extraction can cause significant environmental impacts.
In the so-called Lithium Triangle (Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile), wetland desiccations have been documented, questioning the sustainability of the current model.
The fact that lithium mining is reducing the water in the lagoons and threatening ecosystems highlights the challenge of balancing energy development and environmental conservation. Without strict controls and independent studies, the risk of irreversible loss of these ecosystems increases.
