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One of the fascinating creatures that inhabit the Andes region of Chile, Bolivia, and Argentina is the Andean flamingo. With its elegant stride and impressive plumage, this bird captivates all who encounter it. It can reach heights of over a meter and is characterized by its strong pink, whitish, and black coloring. However, the Andean flamingo, scientifically known as phoenicoparrus andinus, faces numerous challenges due to the exploitation of lithium brines in its natural habitat.
In Argentina, the Andean flamingo is primarily found in the northern provinces of Salta, Catamarca, and Jujuy during the warmer months. It can also be seen in the low-lying areas of central Argentina, particularly in Cordoba and Santa Fe. According to the National Mining Secretariat, there are 38 lithium projects in the country, with 17 located in the large salt flats of Salta province.
Biologists and conservation specialists have been warning about the negative impacts of lithium extraction on the Andean flamingo’s breeding and feeding grounds. This particular species of bird, along with the Austral and James flamingos, has been classified as “vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Enrique Derlindati, a doctor in Biological Sciences and researcher at the Faculty of Natural Sciences of the National University of Salta, has been studying these birds and their population trends for years. He emphasizes the need to take measures to conserve their survival and reproductive capacity. During the summer, these species move to the mountains, specifically wetlands and salt flats above 4,000 meters in height. These areas are becoming increasingly difficult to find and coincide with the so-called “lithium triangle.” The Andean flamingo is a species that is restricted to the Andes and has the smallest population size. Census data estimates that there are approximately 80,000 individuals across South America. However, they are abandoning their historical nesting sites due to the presence of exploration and lithium mining fields.
Derlindati explains, “Mining companies are developing their activities in all the salt flats of the Puna region, leaving no area untouched. This restricts the possibilities for nesting because Andean flamingos seek isolated sites.” He believes that mining activities could be carried out with less environmental impact in Argentina, taking into account the local fauna. For example, in Chile, mining companies do not operate during the nesting periods of these species, which occur between November and February. However, if mining companies and governments are unwilling to halt these activities, it becomes challenging to enforce such measures. Derlindati also points out that there are alternative methods for lithium extraction, and the current practice of using drying ponds is the cheapest but has a significant direct impact on the environment.
Matías Michelutti, a tour guide in the Ansenuza National Park in Cordoba, which is home to the largest salt lake in South America, echoes Derlindati’s concerns. The park is a vital wintering ground for Andean flamingos and other migratory bird species. Michelutti emphasizes the importance of water conservation and the availability of food resources for these birds. However, due to drought conditions since 2019, the lake has reached historically low levels, affecting the nesting and feeding grounds of the Andean flamingo. He emphasizes that the problem lies not in the extraction of lithium but in the use of water for this process.
Protective measures and stricter regulations to curb activities harmful to the environment are necessary. In Argentina, the Environmental Protection Law for Mining Activities provides a regulatory framework for protection. However, the approval or denial of permits for mining projects depends on each province, as stated in the National Constitution. Derlindati warns that the lack of data provided by mining companies and lax or insufficient controls by provincial governments exacerbate the environmental impacts. He argues that many mining companies do not provide data because the government does not demand it. The economic situation often leads to the exploitation of natural resources, driven by the false promise of the lithium boom. He cites the example of Salta province, where the legislature seeks to reduce bureaucracy to facilitate mining exploitation, potentially compromising environmental permits and restrictions.
Simon Perez Alsina, president of the Salta Mining Chamber, argues that any human activity has an impact, and technically, there is no proven negative impact from lithium projects. However, a study titled “Technical Evidence of Negative Impacts of Lithium Exploitation on Wetlands and Water Resources in the Andean Puna Salars,” published by the Wetlands Foundation in collaboration with Wetlands International in 2021, documents and identifies impacts such as soil and wetland salinization, soil contamination with hazardous waste, alteration of natural surface water flow, modification of water balance, and the impact on native flora and fauna.
The vast salt flats in northern Argentina are not just a source of “white gold” (lithium). They exist within a fragile ecosystem that is yet to be fully understood. It is crucial to strike a balance between economic development and environmental conservation. The voices of scientists, conservationists, and specialists in the field must be heard to ensure the long-term survival of the Andean flamingo and other species in these delicate habitats..