# Lithium mining water permit protests in Brazil

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/lithium-mining-water-permit-protests-in-brazil
> Updated: 2026-09-19T21:40:31.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 2.

In Salinas, Minas Gerais, residents organized a protest on September 7 against a water extraction permit granted to PLS Brasil Mineração. The permit, issued by the Instituto Mineiro de Gestão das Águas (Igam), allows the company to withdraw roughly 150,000 liters per hour from the Salinas Dam to support lithium processing at the Colina Project.

The local group, Movimento Popular de Preservação das Águas da Barragem de Salinas, contends that the reservoir is essential for municipal supply and local producers, particularly during periods of drought. Protesters are seeking formal recognition as interested parties to legally challenge the authorization, noting that over 1,700 people signed a petition against the extraction.

## Claims

- Sulfates in the Sierra Minera Caraz unit reached 4716 mg/L, exceeding the environmental standard of 500 mg/L. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Arsenic levels in the Huisca Huisca lagoon reached 0.35 mg/L, significantly higher than the 0.01 mg/L limit. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The contamination crisis directly affects the water consumption of more than 300 families in the area. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Residents of Arcata and Alacate have reported gastrointestinal, skin, and ocular ailments, as well as cancer cases. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- OEFA sanctioned Compañía Minera Ares for operating drilling platforms without the required environmental certification. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Mining activity in Arcata has caused a severe increase in contaminants in water sources after 70 years of exploitation. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Producers and residents in Catamarca are warning that mining activities threaten freshwater sources in arid mountain regions. (single source)
- Crushed sulfide minerals in contact with air and rain can trigger chemical reactions resulting in acid drainage. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-19: Arcata mining activity linked to severe water contamination in Peru

Mining in Arcata, Peru, has caused severe water contamination, with sulfates and arsenic levels far exceeding legal limits, affecting over 300 families and causing reported health issues.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mining-activities-spark-water-contamination-concerns-in-peru-and-argentina

### 2026-09-09: Salinas residents protest lithium mining water permit

Residents of Salinas, Brazil, protested against a permit allowing PLS Brasil Mineração to extract water from a local dam for lithium mining, citing concerns over water security and regional drought.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/salinas-residents-protest-lithium-mining-water-permit

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Cite as: Lithium mining water permit protests in Brazil. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/lithium-mining-water-permit-protests-in-brazil