The rapid growth of the green energy sector is causing a surge in demand for mining, which is impacting water-stressed communities. In places like rural Nevada, where there is little rainfall, underground aquifers provide vital groundwater resources to support ranchers, farmers, and ecosystems. However, the increased demand for minerals needed for green energy technologies poses a threat to these precious water resources. This problem is not unique to the United States, as communities in South America’s lithium triangle are also experiencing the effects of increased water usage from mining operations aimed at meeting renewable energy demands.
The demand for minerals, such as lithium, cobalt, and copper, used in clean energy technologies has tripled in recent years and is expected to increase even further. However, these minerals are primarily extracted from drought-impacted or arid regions, exacerbating the global water supply issues. Concerns over water scarcity have been expressed by U.S. officials, who have acknowledged the direct links between water and national security. However, many of these officials and organizations are also supporters of energy-related mining, which requires significant amounts of water.
Mining operations for green energy minerals, such as lithium, copper, and cobalt, require extensive water usage. The brine extraction method used to source lithium is known for its considerable water consumption. Copper production in the United States also utilizes large amounts of water. Excavation projects in Nevada often involve draining critical groundwater to extract minerals from the ground, leading to long-term impacts on water resources and ecosystems.
Similar issues exist in South America, where people have been protesting the effects of mineral extraction on water resources. In Chile, the world’s largest copper producer, and Argentina, indigenous communities have been actively opposing mining projects due to the stress they place on water and surrounding lands. In the Jujuy province of Argentina, protests have turned violent, with demonstrators being fired upon by police. Despite claims of being environmentally responsible, mining companies like Lithium Americas Corporation continue to face criticism for their impact on water resources.
Residents in these regions question the green and renewable nature of these mining operations, as they witness their water disappearing and their livelihoods affected. Bolivia, with its promising lithium reserves beneath the Salar de Uyuni salt flat, may also face similar water issues in the future. Locals are concerned about the potential expansion of lithium mining and the impact it could have on their water resources.
As the demand for minerals continues to increase in the green energy sector, the issue of water scarcity becomes more pressing. It is essential for policymakers, officials, and mining companies to address these concerns and find sustainable solutions to ensure that the transition to renewable energy does not come at the cost of water-stressed communities and ecosystems.