LATIN AMERICA ADVISOR

LATIN AMERICA ADVISOR

A daily publication Of the dialogue

April 16, 2025

Can Lithium Mining Coexist With Chile’s Indigenous Groups?

Chilean Indigenous groups are discussing a new agreement with major lithium mining firms. A woman is pictured at the Uyuni Salt Flat in Bolivia. // File Photo: Lukas Uher via Adobe Stock.

Q

A

Verónica Figueroa Huencho, full professor in the faculty of government at the University of Chile: “The limited progress on the Indigenous agenda proposed by President Boric’s government has highlighted the complexity of effectively recognizing the rights of Indigenous peoples in matters related to the national lithium strategy. While the international framework establishes standards for the effective participation of Indigenous communities, significant asymmetries exist in the negotiations being promoted with the Atacameño people. In a recent statement, Codelo and SQM indicated that they are open to participating and working together on a governance model that recognizes the perspectives of the Lickanantay communities. What does this governance model entail? First, it requires recognizing that all actors do not share the same level of power or the same…”

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The Inter-American Dialogue publishes the Latin America Advisor every business day for a distinguished membership of informed corporate leaders, scholars, and government officials invested in Latin America’s development and future. The Advisor‘s highly regarded Q&A section covers questions submitted by subscribers themselves. Commentators regularly include heads of state, business leaders, diplomats, economists, analysts, and thought leaders from around the world. Many of the world’s largest and fastest-growing companies subscribe to the Advisor. To subscribe, click here. For terms and conditions, click here. For more information, contact Gene Kuleta, editor of the Advisor, at gkuleta@thedialogue.org.

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Merike Blofield
Professor of Political Science,
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Devry Boughner Vorwerk
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Joyce Chang
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Ernesto Revilla
Head of Latin American Economics, Citi

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IESA

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President, Rozental &
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