Treasure worth $565 billion hidden in world’s largest salt desert
August 4, 2024
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The world’s largest salt desert, Salar de Uyuni, is dazzling with its snow-white beauty and mirror lakes. But beneath this dazzling surface lies a real treasure: vast lithium
The world’s largest salt desert, Salar de Uyuni, is dazzling with its snow-white beauty and mirror lakes. But beneath this dazzling surface lies a real treasure: vast lithium reserves whose value is estimated at an astronomical $565 billion.
Geological history and unique events
This magnificent desert, spread over an area of 10,400 square kilometers in the Andes, was formed millions of years ago when ancient lakes dried up. Today, it is a thin crust of salt that hides a layer of saturated brine.
Rising freshwater is creating lakes that provide water for birds such as flamingos. Image credit: Martin BURNETTI/AFP
A unique feature of Salar de Uyuni is the phenomenon of “freshwater upwelling”. Meltwater from the surrounding mountains seeps under the salt crust, creating freshwater lakes on the desert surface. These lakes are a vital source of water for the local fauna, especially the flamingos that inhabit this rugged region.
Lithium: the strategic resource of the future
Lithium is a key ingredient in the production of batteries for electric vehicles and other energy storage systems. With the increasing demand for environmentally friendly technologies, lithium’s importance is rapidly increasing, making it a strategic resource for the future.
The estimated value of 11 million tons of lithium is 565 billion 180 million US dollars
Potential and challenges of Salar de Uyuni
Lithium reserves in Salar de Uyuni are estimated at 11 million tonnes, making it one of the largest deposits in the world. This presents huge economic opportunities for desert-based Bolivia and the opportunity to significantly influence the global lithium market.
However, lithium mining in Salar de Uyuni also presents a number of challenges, including preserving the unique ecosystem and ensuring the sustainable development of the region. Striking a balance between economic interests and protecting the environment is a key challenge for Bolivia.
Salar de Uyuni is not only a picturesque landscape, but also a potential energy revolution. Lithium mining in this desert could bring significant economic benefits to Bolivia and contribute significantly to the development of renewable energy sources worldwide. However, it is important to ensure that this process is carried out in accordance with environmental standards and contributes to the sustainable development of the region. Source
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