Fundraising begins for study into lithium impact on plants and water

A Bolivian community is looking to commission a report ahead of a change in government policy that will ‘open the floodgates’ on mining operations. 

While the country already has a thriving mining sector, it is believed to be home to one of the largest untapped supplies of lithium in the world. The material recently reached record-breaking prices on the global market. 

Despite understanding the economic benefits of accessing the valuable resource, residents are concerned that the impact of mining operations on local plant life, ecosystems and water supplies is not fully understood. 

A scientist is now needed to conduct a study into this area, before policymakers in La Paz approve a wave of new developments. This year has already seen protests at a number of sites, including the lithium processing facilities run by the state-owned Yacimientos de Litio Bolivianos (YLB), the China Machinery Engineering Corporation, and Beijing Maison Engineering Co.

The advocacy group Regional Feneration of Workers and Peasants of the Southern Altiplano [FRUCTAS] have spent more than a year trying to access such facilities in a bid to ascertain how the industry is using natural resources. Recent inspections revealed a potassium chloride plant was operating at less than 30% capacity, with equipment still packed in delivery boxes and lacking the electricity supply to power them. The amount of water needed to meet targets was also unclear. 

A fundraising campaign has now begun to cover the cost of hiring a scientific professional. You can find out how to get involved here. 

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Image: Jordi Vich Navarro