The true cost of the lithium mining boom powering electric cars

With the demand for electric batteries sky-high, mining companies are moving to the salt flats of the Andes, where over half of the world's known lithium reserves are stored.

In June 2023, Bolivia signed deals with Chinese and Russian companies to massively expand its lithium mining sector.

But locals are concerned about the possible impact on their scarce water supplies and fear they will lose out in the 'white gold' rush occurring in their own backyard.

These regions are among the driest on Earth and have been subjected to a megadrought for more than a decade — so every drop of water removed for mining is a cause for concern.