Multi-scale Interdependencies and Telecoupled Impacts of Critical Mineral Extractions on Local Socio-ecological Systems: A Case Study of Lithium Mining in Chile

Global transitioning towards battery-based clean energy and green technologies has rapidly accelerated demands for Lithium (Li) as one of the most important minerals. However, the social and ecological implications of the anticipated growth in mineral extractions have not been acknowledged or adequately studied. Therefore, using the telecoupling framework, this dissertation aims to systematically understand the linkages between globally increasing adoption of green technologies and the social-ecological impacts in Li-extracted places, in order to help identify potential mechanisms or solutions to address such consequences. This dissertation selects the Salar de Atacama in Chile as the study area to firstly provide a socio-environmental assessment to synthesize the interdependent relationship between Li-mining companies and host communities. Then, an agent-based model was developed to demonstrate future social-ecological implications in the mining area for various mining projections. Lastly, the perceptions of end-users of green-tech products (e.g., electric cars) were collected and studied as to the awareness of embodied mining impacts and how these impacts should be addressed. Results found that Li-mining operations and local communities are closely linked at both local and regional scales through the shared resource space, economic opportunities, and resource governance. The excessive groundwater consumption from mining drives the most sustainability concerns. Material uncertainties of groundwater were found to play a vital role in causing the mismatched evolution of environmental and social dynamics, thereby highlighting some governance challenges stemming from resource uncertainties. Meanwhile, among sampled end-users, tensions and conflicts are widely found between the imperative of energy transitions and the reality of adversity mining impacts, along with a general lack of awareness. Fortunately, most respondents recognized the complexity in the supply chain of EVs and the role of consumers in influencing its governance. Overall, this dissertation provides a benchmark of the social-environmental impacts of Li-mining in Salar de Atacama, along with suggestions for decision-makers and mining managers on improved mineral governance. It also highlights the need and urgency for a telecoupling view in sustainable mineral governance and suggests a shift in green-tech supply chain to include broader sustainable development goals and a global community of consumers, affected communities, and the general public.