Traditional lithium mining isn’t just about extracting a resource – it’s a major disruptor of the natural environment. The most common method, open-pit mining, involves stripping away massive amounts of soil and rock to reach lithium-rich ore. The result? Deforestation, soil erosion, and the destruction of critical habitats. Wildlife is displaced, ecosystems are disrupted, and natural recovery becomes a long, uphill battle.

To put it into perspective: hard rock mining requires over 3,605 ft² of land per ton of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) – roughly the size of 0.68 football fields. That kind of land use leads to lasting damage to biodiversity and ecological balance when produced at scale.

And the impact doesn’t stop at the land – it also affects our water sources.

Conventional brine extraction methods pump huge volumes of water from underground aquifers to the surface, where it evaporates over months or even years. This process consumes vast amounts of water, often in regions already dealing with extreme water stress.

In Chile’s Salar de Atacama, one of the world’s key lithium production hubs, mining operations use up to 65% of the region’s water supply, putting intense pressure on both communities and ecosystems.

The contrast with Lithium Harvest’s approach couldn’t be more evident. We use ~81% less freshwater than traditional mining, saving ~96,148 gallons per ton of LCE. At 1,000 tpa, that’s ~96.1 million gallons a year (~364,000 m³) - about 146 Olympic pools - roughly 800 to 880 U.S. households’ annual use - or ~1.54 billion cups of coffee.

Chemical use is common in traditional lithium extraction, especially during the separation of lithium from other elements. But when these chemicals are not adequately managed, they can contaminate nearby water sources, harming aquatic life and threatening the water quality for surrounding communities.

Without effective wastewater treatment, the environmental consequences can be severe.

Responsible water management isn’t optional – it’s essential.

While lithium is essential for the clean energy transition, there is a harsh irony: traditional extraction methods are significant contributors to climate change. Conventional processes involve energy-intensive steps, such as high-temperature roasting, chemical processing, and a heavy reliance on fossil fuel-powered transportation and electricity. The result? A massive release of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases only worsens global warming.

The scale is staggering: The industry emits an average of 35.2 metric tons of CO₂ for every one metric ton of lithium produced. To put that in perspective, that’s the annual carbon footprint of about eight gasoline-powered cars, based on U.S. EPA data (4.6 metric tons CO₂ per car, per year).

Now compare that with Lithium Harvest’s approach.

Our carbon-neutral technology prevents up to 20.4 million kilograms (20,400 metric tons) of CO₂ for every 1,000 metric tons of lithium carbonate produced - equivalent to taking about 4,435 gasoline cars off the road for a year.

Cutting emissions in lithium extraction isn’t just a nice-to-have – it’s a necessity. And at Lithium Harvest, we’re proving that sustainable, profitable lithium production isn’t just possible – it’s going to happen.

Mining operations don’t just affect the land and water – they also impact the air we breathe.

Dust and particulate matter released during extraction can harm the respiratory health of nearby communities and wildlife. On top of that, fossil fuel-powered machinery and transport vehicles emit pollutants like nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide, contributing to poor air quality and long-term environmental damage.

Cleaner extraction methods mean cleaner air for people and the planet.

Traditional lithium extraction requires enormous amounts of energy. Crushing, grinding, and chemical separation require massive amounts of electricity, much of which is still sourced from fossil fuels.

This reliance on coal and other high-emission energy sources significantly adds to the carbon footprint of lithium production, undermining the very environmental benefits that lithium is meant to support.

If we want truly clean energy systems, the way we produce lithium needs to be just as clean.

Beyond water and air, lithium extraction can also take a toll on the soil.

Chemical residues from traditional processes can seep into the ground, disrupting the soil’s natural balance and harming plant life. Over time, this contamination can degrade soil fertility, reduce agricultural productivity, and damage local ecosystems.

It’s a hidden cost – but one that communities and ecosystems can’t afford to ignore.

While most conversations about lithium mining focus on carbon emissions and water use, the visual impact is often overlooked – yet it is a serious environmental concern.

Open-pit mines and massive evaporation ponds transform natural landscapes into barren, industrial zones. The damage isn’t just an eyesore – it’s often permanent. Once disturbed, these lands are rarely restored to their original state.

And the impact goes beyond the environment.

In regions where communities have deep cultural and spiritual ties to the land, these scars can represent loss and exploitation, not progress. They also threaten tourism, recreation, and the aesthetic value of natural areas.

To put it in perspective: solar evaporation uses ~39,352 ft² per ton of LCE - ~39.35 million ft² per 1,000 tons - which is about 903 acres (≈366 hectares), or roughly 683 American football fields (including end zones).

Now imagine trying to replant and restore that. The scale is staggering, and proper rehabilitation is rare.