The Salinas Grandes are located in the north west part of Argentina, in the provinces of Jujuy and Salta, at an average altitude of 3450 meters above sea level. It covers an area of 212 km2 and is well-known for its vast white desert.
Overview
The region is of industrial importance for its sodium and potassium mines. It is also being explored for the lithium brine beneath its salt, 300,000 hectares of it were awarded to LSC Lithium for development. The exploitation of lithium reserves drew criticism from indigenous community leaders for the steep decline in ground water levels, threatening local farming. Also, they regarded their right to have use and control over the land as violated.