Harvesting Lithium: water, brine and the industrial dynamics of production in the Salar de Atacama

Geographical research on lithium and other renewable energy materials explores the geopolitical dimensions of resource supply 'new geographies' associated with an expanding frontier. The material characteristics environmental conditions production, however, are largely overlooked in this perspective. In context a global speculative boom for linked to its growing role storage, paper adopts grounded, exploratory approach investigate dynamics production management at one world's most significant sources lithium: brine deposits Atacama Salt Flat/Salar de northern Chile. We show how from has distinctive 'eco-regulatory' character as it involves managing series hydrogeological physical processes that external capital. highlights infrastructures (pumps, pipes, ponds) harvesting examines salar generates ecological contradictions (notably around water depletion) potential disrupt accumulation. also examine multiple flexibilities afforded by eco- regulatory these enable producers adapt fixed dynamic political economic conditions. By focusing both draws attention trajectories capitalisation value chain their consequences; considers political-economic incentives shaping further capitalisation. concludes considering implications case study critical geography.