Recent studies have revealed that freshwater availability in the Lithium Triangle is approximately ten times lower than previously estimated, posing a significant threat to lithium extraction operations1. This arid region, spanning parts of Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile, requires up to 500,000 gallons of water to extract a single ton of lithium1. With global lithium demand projected to increase 40-fold by 2040, the limited annual rainfall may be insufficient to sustain both mining activities and the needs of local ecosystems21.

• The Lithium Triangle contains over half of the world's lithium reserves

• Freshwater is essential for lithium extraction, agriculture, and maintaining unique wetland habitats

• Water scarcity is classified as "critical" in many basins, even before accounting for future mining demands

• Experts emphasize the need for enhanced water efficiency in lithium extraction processes1

Lithium extraction poses significant environmental challenges, particularly to water resources and ecosystems. The mining process can lead to salinization of freshwater supplies and depletion of surface and groundwater resources1. This threatens unique wetland habitats that support diverse wildlife, including rare pink flamingos, wild camelids, and long-tailed chinchillas2. Additionally, the chemicals used in lithium mining, when improperly managed, can contaminate nearby water bodies, impacting aquatic life and water quality available to surrounding communities3. The environmental consequences extend beyond water issues, as lithium mining operations can also contribute to air pollution and soil degradation in the affected areas4.

Indigenous communities in the Lithium Triangle face severe challenges due to the water-intensive lithium mining operations. These communities, which have inhabited the region for generations, rely on the limited freshwater resources for agriculture, livestock, and daily life. The expansion of lithium extraction has disrupted traditional water sources, leading to protests and conflicts as Indigenous groups struggle to maintain their way of life and cultural heritage12. The water crisis not only threatens their livelihoods but also risks eroding their deep-rooted connection to the land and its resources. As global demand for lithium continues to surge, balancing the needs of these communities with the pressure for increased production remains a critical challenge for governments and mining companies alike3.

To address the water scarcity challenges in lithium extraction, researchers and companies are exploring innovative solutions. Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technologies are being developed as alternatives to traditional evaporation techniques, aiming to reduce water consumption1. However, some DLE sites have unexpectedly used more water than conventional methods, highlighting the need for further refinement2. Industry experts are calling for enhanced water efficiency practices and improved hydrological models to better manage limited resources2. Collaboration between mining companies and local communities is also being encouraged to develop sustainable extraction practices that balance global energy demands with ecological preservation and community needs3.