Does Lithium Mining Negatively Affect Nearby Communities?

Lithium mining has raised concerns about its impact on communities near deposits. The report, Mining, Communities and Sustainable Development: The Case of Lithium in Bacadehuachi, prepared by Sonora State University, aims to address these concerns and show how lithium mining can bring social wealth. 

Leonardo Taylor, Director of Mines, Sonora State Government, pointed out that Governor Alfonso Durazo has doubts about the exploitation of the mineral due to its possible social impact. Taylor highlighted that the study will show the situation of lithium in Sonora's communities, as well as specific problems and opportunities. "(The study) opens a very broad panorama to understand the problems surrounding mining. It is very good that it comes from an in-house study, and that we are not adapting experiences from other countries."

The study focuses primarily on the town of Bacadehuachi, which has 850 inhabitants. Only 41% of the population is economically active, of which only 26.3% are women. Taylor stressed that action is needed in the community, as women tend to have more restricted access to education and receive lower wages. In addition to inequality, the community's main problems are the lack of water, medical services, and infrastructure, as there is only one road.

The document will be delivered to Durazo with the objective of showing the social responsibility plans that can be carried out in communities, considering key aspects such as gender inequality.

Among the recommendations offered by the study are the development of virtual secondary and university education programs and the promotion of greater citizen participation. Jesús Mario Moreno, Professor, State University of Sonora and Unison, stressed that the key to social responsibility is for the City Council to oversee the mine's impact on the environment, water, employment, and health. "The integration of a working team, government, academia, institutions and civil society is required so that lithium mining and other resources have a positive impact on the population," said Moreno.

Mexico has 36 lithium projects under control by 10 foreign companies, including Organimax Nutient, Bacanora Lithium, One World Lithium, Radius Gold, Infinite Lithium, Rock Tech Lithium, Alien Metals, Zenith Minerals, Lithium Mex, Pan American Lithium, and ZEOX. Of these companies, only three have advanced their projects from greenfield stages: Bacanora, Organimax, and One World Lithium, according to an Expansión report in 2022. The 36 projects cover 97,000ha. However, there are other projects that were previously under review, covering 537,000ha, equivalent to 84 percent of the concessions associated with lithium. 

For lithium, Mexico’s journey to becoming a key producer hinges on the government's approach to private sector participation, with a timeline ranging from 18 months to 20 years due to nationalization and Mining Law considerations.