DiscoverStorylinesGlobal lithium demand divides communities in South America
Global lithium demand divides communities in South America

Global lithium demand divides communities in South America

Update: 2025-10-25
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Indigenous communities in South America say mining threatens their water supply. But the world needs lithium for EVs to fight climate change.


In the Salinas Grandes salt flats, which hold significant lithium deposits, some residents are saying no to mining. But towns are divided. Some want the jobs that come with mining while others fear what this lithium extraction will do to the water table.


Storylines is part of the CBC Audio Doc Unit

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Global lithium demand divides communities in South America

Global lithium demand divides communities in South America