Sustainable Lithium Mining in Salt Flats, Preserving Ecosystems and Biodiversity

Research Theme Summary

A significant part of lithium, a crucial component for energy transition, is sourced from the salt flats in countries like Chile. However, the extraction of brine, its processing to extract lithium, and reinjection of used brine, as in “direct lithium extraction” (DLE), have significant ecological consequences.

This research theme aims to address the environmental challenges associated with lithium mining in salt flats by focusing on developing mining methods that have the least effect on fragile ecosystems and biodiversity. It further explores innovative approaches towards developing responsible and sustainable lithium mining practices based on the geology and hydrology of salt flats.

PIs

 

Mohammad Ayaz Alam, Universidad de Santiago de Chile

Prosun Bhattacharya, KTH Royal Institute of Technology

 

Participants

 

Marco A Mendez Torres, Universidad de Chile

Cristobal Arratia, Stockholm University

Kerstin Forsberg, KTH Royal Institute of Technology

 
 

Francesco Pipicella, Uppsala University

Karin Broberg, Lund University

Brian Townley, Universidad de Chile

 
 

Claudio Moisés Falcón Beas, Universidad de Chile

Rene Rojas, P. Universidad Catolica

 

Results

Our key takeaways from the workshop sessions are as follows: The adoption of less invasive lithium mining technologies to minimize environmental disruption is vital. We need to address the environmental concerns associated with direct lithium extraction (DLE) based mining in order to do so. This also involves mitigation of the adverse effects on freshwater aquifers and wetlands with due consideration of the geology and hydrology of the salt flat basins.

Measures to protect and preserve these complex and ancient habitats, ecosystems wetlands in particular, are critical to local biodiversity, including invertebrates and microbes, which are part of the food chain. Involving local communities and indigenous groups in the decision-making process to ensure their concerns and knowledge are considered will be vital.