Efforts to Green Lithium Extraction Face Scrutiny
Direct lithium extraction has been touted as a way to reduce mining impacts in South America, but experts warn it may not be ready for large-scale deployment.
Mining companies are showcasing new technologies to extract more lithium from South America's salt flats with lower environmental impacts. However, environmentalists question the technology's readiness for scale, while scientists warn it could worsen freshwater depletion in the region.
The "lithium triangle" - spanning Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile - holds over half of the world's known lithium reserves, found in salty brine beneath the region's dry salt flats.
- Lithium mining in the region has soared due to booming demand for EV batteries and energy storage.
- Experts call for more research on the technology's environmental impacts.
More research is needed to understand the effects of direct lithium extraction on scarce freshwater resources.
Author's summary: Lithium extraction faces scrutiny over water use and environmental impacts.
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