The history of the industrial era is one of colonization and extraction. This continues today, as we who work to protect the land know well.
The film In the name of lithium is a documentary about the struggle of Argentine indigenous communities to prevent their salt flats, which contain one of the largest lithium reserves in the world, from becoming a “sacrifice zone” in favor of reduction of climate change.
The film is free to watch on Vimeo through August 9. You can turn on subtitles for English if you do not speak Spanish.
As an article about the film notes, Lithium Americas, in partnership with Chinese company Ganfeng, is constructing a lithium mine in Jujuy, one of the locations where the film was made. An investigation by Fundación Ambiente y Recursos Naturales (FARN) found that Minera Exar (an Argentine company formed by Lithium Americas and Ganfeng Lithium and dedicated to the development and production of lithium in the Salar Cauchari-Olaroz) failed to provide free and informed consultation with indigenous communities who own territory where Minera Exar’s lithium project is located. According to statements gathered from community members in FARN’s investigation, Minera Exar also failed to disclose relevant information on risk factors and potential environmental impacts.
Thacker Pass is just one of so many industrial sacrifice zones around the world. Remember too, that along with lithium, EVs and batteries require copper, cobalt, graphite, bauxite, nickel, and rare earth metals, all of which require sacrifice zones.
Stand with us, stand with the people in Jujuy, Argentina; stand with all people and lands and wild beings around the world being sacrificed for industry and say NO!
For more information about the film, visit https://enelnombredellitio.org.ar/
Image of the salt flats in the northern province of Jujuy in Argentina by FARN.
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