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In Chile's Atacama, lithium mining stirs fight over flamingos

On the white plains of Chile's lithium-rich Atacama desert, bright pink flamingos enliven the sprawling salt flats where sporadic blue pools provide much needed hydration.

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In Chiles Atacama, lithium mining stirs fight over flamingos

Chile's flamingo numbers overall have held up, thanks to herds on other flats not affected by mining. But the consequences could be severe as demand spikes for lithium batteries powering electric vehicles, Dorador warned.

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In Chiles Atacama, lithium mining stirs fight over flamingos

"We have to think where these materials come from, because we're not always aware. We buy all these things but we often don't know what had to happen to make that product."