Continued Protests in Atacama Threaten Lithium Production

Persistence of Protests in Salar de Atacama

Communities in the south of the Salar de Atacama, including Toconao and Camar, have decided to continue their protests, contrary to an earlier agreement to suspend the action. This ongoing occupation of access roads to the area, a crucial site for the country's lithium production, poses significant risks to the operations of both SQM and Albemarle.

Both companies are currently operating on emergency systems due to the restricted access caused by the protests. There is growing concern that lithium production in the Salar de Atacama could be halted if the situation persists.

Differing Perspectives within Communities

Wladimir Reyes, president of the Council of Atacameño Peoples (CPA), noted that despite an agreement to suspend protests, several leaders insisted on not waiting for Mining Minister Aurora Williams's visit and demanded immediate action. There appears to be a divide within the CPA, especially among communities closer to the mining operations, who are more critical of the agreement.

The CPA, representing 18 communities, is requesting President Gabriel Boric's personal intervention to assess the water health of the Salar de Atacama. The call for the president's visit underscores the communities' concerns over the environmental impact of lithium mining.

The indigenous organizations are opposed to how the agreement between Codelco and SQM was communicated. They expressed dissatisfaction with learning about the Memorandum of Understanding through the press, despite a commitment to a tripartite negotiation table.