Water security issues for lithium mining in Chile

Abstract

The global consumption of a range of critical minerals is estimated to rise at least sixfold by 2030. Lithium, in particular, saw its demand double from approximately 300,000 metric tons to more than 600,000 metric tons in just the past two years. Due to lithium's central role in electric vehicle batteries, its demand is predicted to continue a steep rise and likely reach the level of two to four million metric tons by 2030. In addition to the stresses this will put on mining production and the environment – issues of water security are likely to become a key challenge.