Enhancing the permitting and approval process with dedicated community engagement

Blanco Project Environmental Impact Assessment and Permit Management

Salar de Maricunga is a salt flat located in the Atacama Region of Chile and has the second highest lithium concentration in the world. Our client wanted to establish a mine in the area for the production of lithium carbonate and potassium chloride. They hired our team to help obtain environmental approvals.

As part of the environmental impact assessment (EIA) process, we conducted studies in the salt flat area and surrounding zones, focusing on biodiversity, water, and community aspects. In addition to the project's proximity to the Colla people's place of residence, it is also near the Nevado Tres Cruces National Park and the Ramsar wetland site located within it.

Including the Colla community in the development of the EIA was essential. Through ongoing communication, timely information sharing, and respect for Colla systems and customs, we helped our client gain community approval—or social license—to move forward with the project.

Our client successfully obtained environmental approval for the lithium extraction project at a time when there were few initiatives of this kind. For the community, the project will provide economic benefits such as job creation and increased sales of local supplies and services.