Chile's unique "karachi" fish faces extinction threat from a new lithium mining project.

A rare fish species in Chile's Ascotan salt flats, the Orestias ascotanensis, or "karachi" fish, faces potential extinction due to a planned lithium mining project. The fish, adapted to harsh conditions including high heavy metals and variable salinity, has already seen its population decline from previous copper mining activities. Locals and experts call for safeguards to protect the ecosystem during mining.

November 20, 2024
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