ID: 2184
Presenting Author: Sonia Balcazar
Session: 740 - When misinformation spreads faster than facts: Social Strategies in LATAM
Status: pending
Rincon fosters trust with Kolla and Atacama communities through inclusive engagement tools and FPIC-based dialogue, supporting sustainable development and honoring Indigenous decision-making in Argent
The Rincon Lithium Project, situated in Argentina’s Salta Province within the globally significant “Lithium Triangle,” represents a strategic, long-term resource designed to supply battery-grade lithium carbonate in response to accelerating global energy demands.The project addresses the growing demand for critical minerals and sets a benchmark in community engagement and partnership with Indigenous communities, government entities, and local stakeholders in the Puna region.
The project’s direct area of influence encompasses rural communities predominantly composed of Indigenous populations, including the Kolla communities of Olacapato (300 inhabitants) and Salar de Pocitos (150 inhabitants), as well as the Catua Atacama community (500 inhabitants). A key ancestral livelihood in these communities is rural pastoralism, with approximately 65 individuals engaged in llama grazing during favorable seasonal conditions, residing in temporary shelters known as puestos.
Guided by the principles of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), Rincon has implemented a comprehensive engagement strategy that respects Indigenous decision-making processes. This includes the co-creation of participatory tools such as Rincon te escucha—a grievance and complaints mechanism—and the use of inclusive methodologies and direct dialogue to foster trust and accountability. The initiative aims to contribute meaningfully to the long-term socio-economic development of the region, extending benefits well beyond the operational life of the mine.
With 20+ years in mining, Sonia Balcazar leads CSP teams, aligning Social Performance strategies with operational milestones to drive impact, accountability, and sustainable community engagement.