The village of Peine in Chile’s Atacama Desert has experienced a population boom due to the demand for lithium, a critical mineral used in various technologies including electric vehicle batteries. The region contains a significant reserve of lithium and supplies 30% of global demand. However, the mining activities have reshaped the ecosystem and affected the Indigenous settlements surrounding the area. Peine residents have raised concerns about safety and crime as the town has become a hub for mining operations.
