“Green Lithium” in The Jequitinhonha Valley: resurgence of developmental discourses and international disputes

Abstract

This article investigates the resurgence and persistence of developmentalist discourses from the mid-20th century to the 21st century concerning the Jequitinhonha Valley, particularly through the involvement of mining companies linked to lithium exploration. These companies have gained visibility and sparked international territorial disputes in the region. Consequently, the entry of discourses such as the concepts of "Lithium Valley" and "Green Lithium", associated with the principles of "sustainable development" and "responsible mining", which are connected to the establishment of a hegemonic consensus surrounding extractive activities in Latin America, has been examined. It has been identified how these hegemonic narratives conceal asymmetries and construct a green facade over certain regions while mining boundaries rapidly encroach upon territories. Additionally, the role of neo-extractivism as a new phase of intensive natural resource exploitation, driven by the "Commodities Consensus", has been highlighted. Furthermore, through theoretical review and analysis of documentary and journalistic sources, attempts have been made to understand the environmental and social impacts on the Jequitinhonha Valley region. Consequently, it has been observed that the discourse of certain businesspeople in regional seminars has constructed a narrative that discredits territories, from individuals to natural resources like the Jequitinhonha River, which is vital for supplying local communities such as riverside, quilombola, and indigenous communities with water. Thus, the stigmatization of river water has served to justify the intensive use of the resource by mining companies, while local communities face a shortage of potable water.