Lithium mining can significantly impact public health, particularly due to potential air, water, and soil pollution. While companies claim that modern technology minimizes emissions of harmful substances, independent studies suggest that dust particles and gas emissions may still pose risks to respiratory health and long-term health effects.

Although mining companies often promise economic benefits, such as job creation and infrastructure investments, the actual economic contribution may be limited. Jobs in mining are often highly specialized and may require skills that the local population does not possess. Additionally, long-term economic benefits are often uncertain and may be outweighed by negative impacts on agriculture and other local industries.

Many mining companies, including Rio Tinto, claim to use the latest technologies to reduce emissions and pollution. However, experiences from other regions show that even modern filtration systems can fail, resulting in contamination of surface and groundwater. Local ecosystems can be permanently damaged.

Waste management is one of the most challenging aspects of lithium mining. The dry waste generated can be at risk of decomposition under atmospheric conditions, and landfills may lead to leakage of hazardous chemicals. Proper storage and treatment are crucial, but industry history shows a high risk of accidents and mistakes.

Lithium mining can significantly deplete local water sources and contaminate groundwater, especially if large quantities of water are used for ore washing and processing. Contamination can occur due to the use of chemicals like sulfuric acid, which can leak into groundwater.

Soil and water pollution can negatively impact agricultural crops and forestry, reducing soil fertility and contaminating crops. Long-term effects may include decreased yields and the potential abandonment of agricultural activities in polluted areas.

Although mining companies often claim to conduct consultations with local communities, these consultations are frequently more of a formality than genuine participation. Local communities often feel that their voices are not taken seriously and that decisions have already been made without their actual input.

Environmental disasters, such as landfill breaches, toxic chemical leaks, and toxic gas emissions, pose real risks. Past incidents have shown that leaks and breaches have caused serious contamination of rivers, lakes, and surrounding lands.

There is concern about the effectiveness of rehabilitation and reclamation programs carried out by mining companies. It often takes decades for damaged lands to recover, and many reclamation plans are overly ambitious and underfunded. History shows that many mining companies abandon areas without fully completing remediation work.

While mining can temporarily boost local economies, long-term effects may include economic decline after resource depletion, environmental degradation, and reduced quality of life due to pollution. Dependence of local communities on mining activities can result in economic instability and decreased diversification of the local economy.