During a signing ceremony held with Indigenous communities on Jan. 29, Gabriel Boric shows documents formalizing protection of 10 salt flats. (Photo courtesy of Office of the President)
As progressive Chilean President Gabriel Boric prepared to turn power over on March 11 to his right-wing successor, José Antonio Kast, his government granted protected status to 10 salt flats to safeguard them from industrial activity—particularly lithium mining. Boric also advanced efforts to protect 16 more salt flats containing lithium, the much-in-demand metal used in batteries for electric vehicles and backup-power systems. The actions to safeguard 26 salt flats forms part of a national lithium strategy approved by the Boric administration in 2023. “Of Chile’s 60 salt flats, these 26 that are already protected, or in the final stages of becoming protected, are the most pristine and have the greatest environmental value,” Environment Minister Maisa Rojas said in an interview with EcoAméricas. Rojas dismissed the possibility that Kast might refuse to conserve the 16 salt flats awaiting protected status, saying: “Only the final administrative step... [Log in to read more]
