Chile Roundup: Lithium concerns, internet traffic, abortion law

'Smashed' lithium dreams

Chile is seeking to become the world's top lithium producer, but environmentalists are concerned about the impact of lithium extraction on the fragile ecosystems in the Atacama desert. The extraction process involves pumping water from salt flats, leading to concerns about water scarcity and environmental degradation. Indigenous Colla people are also at risk of losing their traditional way of life due to dwindling water sources, as reported by France24.

Increased internet users

Internet usage in Chile has seen a significant surge in the first quarter of 2024, with both fixed and mobile internet traffic experiencing a 12% year-over-year increase, as reported by Subtel's latest statistics. Notably, fixed traffic continues to dominate, accounting for nearly five times the volume of mobile traffic, with a substantial total of almost 7.9 million terabytes. This growth highlights the expanding online presence in Chile, with both fixed and mobile internet services contributing to the upward trend, according to Telecompaper.

Strides in fruit exports

Over the last week, the Chilean Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) in collaboration with Frutas de Chile has engaged in strategic discussions with plant health officials from Japan, Korea, and China. These meetings are part of a concerted effort to gear up for the 2024-2025 fruit export campaign and to facilitate the introduction of new varieties of Chilean fruits into these Asian markets. According to Fresh Plaza, the team, spearheaded by SAG's national director José Guajardo, comprises experts from SAG and stakeholders from the private sector. Their dialogue has centred on the progress and plant health prerequisites necessary for the exportation of Chilean agricultural products, including apples, to these nations.

World's largest astronomy camera

Boasting a resolution surpassing 3.2 gigapixels, the heaviest digital camera in optical astronomy, tipping the scales at nearly three tons, is poised for a groundbreaking ten-year survey and is set to be mounted beneath the pristine skies of northern Chile. As reported by Reuters, The components necessary to construct the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, encompassing both a terrestrial telescope and the colossal camera, have been transported via multiple conveyances to the peak of Cerro Pachón in the Coquimbo region, situated at the fringe of the Atacama desert and approximately 565 kilometres to the north of Santiago.

Bishops against abortion and euthanasia advocacy

Chilean bishops have expressed strong disapproval of President Gabriel Boric's intention to support legislation that would decriminalise euthanasia and advance another bill to regulate legal abortion within the nation. President Boric publicised these legislative initiatives on June 1, in the course of the customary presidential address to Congress, an event akin to the State of the Union address in the United States. “I am convinced of the need to have a democratic debate on sexual and reproductive rights. That is why, during the second half of this year, we will introduce a bill on legal abortion. (…) The women of Chile deserve their right to decide,” Boric declared according to Catholic World Report.