The vivid swathes of minerals in this lithium extraction field, photographed by Tom Hegen, make for a dazzling sight but also represent a worrying aspect of our electrifying world
THE vivid swathes of minerals in this lithium extraction field make for a dazzling sight, but also represent a troubling aspect of our rapidly electrifying world.
Taken by photographer Tom Hegen, this image of the Soquimich lithium mine in the Atacama desert, run by major mining operator SQM, is part of his new project,, which are projected to account for up to 60 per cent of new car sales by 2030. The ongoing demand for lithium is unprecedented. More than half of the world’s supply of this element is thought to reside in the “Lithium Triangle” where Chile, Argentina and Bolivia meet, with roughly a quarter contained in the Salar de Atacama salt flats in northern Chile.. The varying hues of the ponds in this extraction field on the salt flats are caused by different concentrations of lithium carbonate, ranging from the dilute, turquoise, to the highly concentrated, yellow.
Although pretty from a distance, lithium mines are environmentally damaging and use a lot water and energy.. The Lithium Triangle is one of the driest regions on Earth, and the mining is reducing access to fresh water for Indigenous communities, as well as disrupting wildlife habitats – effects that are only exacerbated by climate change.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
'Bel-Air': The New Will Smith Flees Trouble in West Philly in Teaser for Upcoming Reboot‘Bel-Air’: The new Will Smith flees trouble in West Philly in teaser for upcoming reboot.
Read more »
Migrating birds may use slope of Earth’s magnetic field as ‘stop sign’Eurasian reed warblers migrate to sub-Saharan Africa each year – and they seem to use the slope of Earth’s magnetic field to judge when they have reached their European breeding grounds
Read more »
Serbia's green activists rally to demand moratorium on lithium miningHundreds of Serbian environmental activists on Thursday blocked Belgrade's city centre, demanding a moratorium on lithium mining and exploration, following authorities' decision to revoke permits for Rio Tinto , and its $2.4 billion lithium project in the Balkan country.
Read more »
Beautify Your Face and Your Space with These Display-Worthy CosmeticsThese display-worthy cosmetics will beautify your face and your space
Read more »