On this episode of the Radioactive Show, we hear from Liz Downes from the Rainforest Action Group and PhD student and Aid/Watch committee member Claire Burgess about the problems with so called green extractivism, the issues surrounding lithium production for the transition to renewable energy and whether it is the answer to zero emissions.

More information:

The Australian Lithium statement 'Is Australian Lithium the Answer to Zero Emissions?' https://aidwatch.org.au/alternatives-to-green-extractivism/

Case studies can be viewed here:

https://aidwatch.org.au/alternatives-to-green-extractivism/#case-studies

The Australian lithium statement is in support of the Yes to Life No to Mining global network Lithium Communique #1: On the Frontlines of Lithium Mining 

Image: Salar de Atacama, Antofagasta, Chile

Source: www.aidwatch.org.au 

Lithium projects in this salt flat are run by SQM (Chile, China) and Albemarle (USA) making use mostly (but not only) of brine, while copper projects Minera Zaldívar (Antofagasta Minerals, Barrick) and Minera Escondida (BHP,  Rio Tinto) have made use of the largest amounts of fresh water since their operations started. SQM and Escondida are formally accused of environmental damage and excessive water extraction in several Salt Flats such as Atacama, Punta Negra and Llamará.