Desafíos para la extracción directa de litio desde salares en Chile. De tecnologías singulares a sistemas sociotecnológicos

This policy brief describes technologies for direct lithium extraction from salt flats. It also introduces the idea of sociotechnical systems as a holistic way to evaluate these technologies. Finally, it identifies the main challenges for their future use in Chile. Based on a recent review, five main technologies are presented: i) solvent extraction, ii) adsorption, iii) ion exchange, iv) electrochemical processes, and v) membrane-ba- sed technologies. After that, the brief introduces the sociotechnical systems approach. These systems are combinations of technologies, local conditions, human skills, knowledge, resources, and institutions. This approach helps to move from a fragmented view to a more complete and integrated understanding. It shows the need for combinations of technologies that fit different local contexts. From this perspective, the brief presents eleven key challenges for designing and using sociotechnical systems for lithium extraction in Chile. These are grouped in two stages: extraction and production. In the extraction stage, five main challen- ges are: i) making technology tests and results open and transparent, ii) developing updated and complete systems to understand the salt flats, iii) improving public institutions to evaluate technologies and social impacts, iv) building public trust around national and local development, and v) creating rules and spaces for good public participation and avoiding social con- flicts. In the production stage, six important challen- ges are: i) understanding future job needs and human capital, ii) studying how reinjection affects complex ecosystems, iii) checking how much water and energy Executive Summary are needed and available, iv) testing combinations of technologies using different criteria, v) analysing the use and risks of chemical materials, and vi) designing waste management systems that follow circular eco- nomy ideas and risk prevention. This policy brief aims to support public and private decisions for a sociote- chnical transition in the lithium industry.