As part of the Introduction to SOD course at AHO in 2025, one team team zoomed in on critical minerals mining in Chile, where geopolitics, media ownership and digital echo-chambers collide. Here is the overview of their project in their own words:
Critical minerals play a vital role in the global transition to renewable energy. Among them, lithium stands out as an essential component in modern electronics. Chile, home to some of the world’s largest lithium reserves, has a key role in the green transition. However, the process of extraction today raises significant challenges. We aim to address challenges, explore potentials, and identify leverage areas using System Oriented Design methodology.
Lithium extraction in Chile’s Atacama Desert depletes water resources, disrupts fragile ecosystems, and accelerates desertification. Despite efforts to implement sustainable technologies, concerns over water use and biodiversity loss remain unresolved. Many Indigenous communities depend on the scarce water sources in lithium-rich regions. The mining operations often lead to tensions over land rights, resource usage, and long-term sustainability.
In response to these challenges, we have established four key leverage areas to guide a more responsible approach to lithium mining: The Future of Extraction, focusing on advancing and implementing sustainable technologies; Building Trust, fostering transparent communication and collaboration with local communities; Investing in People, ensuring economic and social benefits for those affected by mining operations; and Healing the Land, prioritizing environmental restoration and conservation efforts. These pillars shape our vision for a more sustainable and equitable lithium industry.
Students
Aleksandar Neskovic, Arin Panoosian, Fredrik Haraldstad, Lillian Tran, Silje Sunde & Tobias Norheim
Explore their gigamap
A Gigamap about critical minerals mining in Chile. Exploring the present challenges and leverage points to move Chile into a desirable future.
Read the full report:
Why this matters
The Chile team shows how SOD can surface water-use trade-offs, land-rights tensions and innovation pathways—then frame leverage points that align profit, people and planet.