A Global Plarform Proposal
Kangsu Kong
This research investigates lithium types, global distribution and availability, as well as global conflicts deriving from lithium extraction. The project assesses environmental impacts, especially on water and its possible correlation with lithium mining expansions from a global perspective by focusing on three representative cases: Salar de Atacama of Chile, Salar de Olaroz of Argentina and Qaidam plateau of China, three of the world’s important lithium-brine extraction sites. The research identified lithium mining activities as one of the stress factors to local water degradation. Finally, the research puts forward the “lithium planet platform” proposal to build awareness of the water impacts caused by lithium extraction.
Global Lithium Extraction, Atacama Salt Flat
Lithium Interactive Map
Particle Simulation of Lithium-Brine Production