Story perspectives

Local Communities Fear Lithium Project's Environmental Impact

1/1/2026

38 7

Summary

Story summary

Miriam Rivera Bordones, resident of Chile's Atacama desert, fears Rio Tinto's lithium project with Codelco will threaten water and Indigenous communities.
The Maricunga salt flat, vital to ecosystems and Indigenous culture, could be harmed by lithium extraction, experts warn.
Local leaders say they were not adequately consulted, despite claims of responsible practices.
President José Antonio Kast supports faster lithium commercialization.
Critics say the energy transition harms ecosystems and local livelihoods.

1 of 1

Story summary

Miriam Rivera Bordones, resident of Chile's Atacama desert, fears Rio Tinto's lithium project with Codelco will threaten water and Indigenous communities.
The Maricunga salt flat, vital to ecosystems and Indigenous culture, could be harmed by lithium extraction, experts warn.
Local leaders say they were not adequately consulted, despite claims of responsible practices.
President José Antonio Kast supports faster lithium commercialization.
Critics say the energy transition harms ecosystems and local livelihoods.