Hombre Muerto
Photos inside Argentina's lithium industry.
MARCH 7, 2023
Growing demand for electric cars is projected to quickly strain Lithium reserves. According to a report by the International Energy Agency, the soft alkali metal will start to become scarce by 2025.
Argentina, Bolivia and Chile form the well-known “lithium triangle,” home to 85% of the world’s lithium reserves.
Argentina is projected to become the third largest lithium producer in the world behind Australia and Chile. BMW recently signed a multi-million dollar contract with a local mining company; so has Tesla.
Although it is often referred to as clean energy, lithium extraction requires the use of vast amounts of water and polluting chemicals, and the displacement of humans and animals. As I have photographed these mines, I often wondered: what is the cost of clean energy?
A version of this photo essay appeared in Gatopardo.