In Argentina, indigenous resistance builds up against the search for “white gold.
Nati Machaca, a representative of indigenous groups in Jujuy, Argentina, part of the world’s largest lithium reserve, ‘Lithium Triangle,’ asserts that their land and water are being compromised by lithium mining.
Despite being the fourth-largest lithium producer globally, locals in Jujuy claim they receive no benefits and their way of life is threatened.
In June 2023, Argentina marked a significant milestone in its mining sector with the inauguration of Minera Exar, its third lithium project.
This development solidifies the province of Jujuy’s status as the leading lithium producer in the nation, underpinning its strategic importance in the global lithium supply chain.
Lithium extraction requires vast water quantities, leading to fears of soil desiccation and water contamination among locals.
Many indigenous groups, residing in these mountains for centuries, lack legal land titles, and a recent constitutional reform passed by Jujuy’s governor, Gerardo Morales, may lead to their eviction.
The reform also restricts protest rights, but indigenous communities continue to obstruct access roads to lithium mines, asserting their ownership of the land and lithium.
Northern Argentina has 38 lithium mining projects, three of which are operational.
The extraction process involves drilling, pumping brine to surface ponds, and then extracting lithium through chemical processes.
Despite efforts to optimize water usage and reduce fossil fuel reliance, there are significant concerns about the environmental impact.
Néstor Jérez, leader of the Ocloya people, remains skeptical about the benefits of lithium mining and is determined to defend their land and way of life.
Indigenous groups have organized a march to Buenos Aires, the capital, to voice their demands to the national government and call for the revocation of the constitutional reform.
Participants in the ‘Malón de la Paz’ (Uprising for Peace) march emphasize that their fight extends beyond their land, as mining negatively impacts biodiversity and exacerbates the climate crisis.