World’s Largest Lithium Deposit in Bolivia Faces Environmental Challenges

The Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia, the world’s largest lithium deposit, holds immense potential for renewable energy but poses significant ecological risks, an article by SciTech Daily reported.

A Duke University study reveals that lithium-brine mining increases arsenic levels in evaporation ponds, with concentrations reaching up to 50 parts per million—1,400 times higher than U.S. ecological safety benchmarks. This poses threats to local wildlife, including flamingos, which feed on arsenic-sensitive brine shrimp.

The study also examined reinjection methods to prevent land subsidence, a common issue in lithium mining. While injecting spent brine or wastewater could mitigate sinking, it risks diluting lithium resources or disrupting brine flow. Researchers suggest blending spent brine with wastewater as a potential solution but emphasize the need for further investigation.

As lithium demand grows, understanding its environmental and social impacts is crucial. Duke researchers are now exploring the origins of lithium enrichment and its effects on Indigenous communities, aiming to ensure sustainable development of this vital resource.