Albemarle fined millions for lithium over-extraction in Salar de Atacama

Chilean environmental authorities have upheld a multi-million dollar fine against the lithium mining company Albemarle for violations in the Salar de Atacama. The First Environmental Court confirmed a penalty of approximately $4.056 billion CLP (4,713 Annual Tax Units) imposed by the Superintendency of the Environment (SMA).

The sanctions stem from two serious infractions: exceeding the authorized brine extraction limits between October 2019 and September 2020, and failing to comply with early warning plan protocols during 2021. Specifically, the company failed to report the activation of certain indicators in a timely manner and did not immediately reduce extractions during February and March of that year.