This past the weekend I attended my first Economic geology conference, in Salta, Argentina. It was interesting and I learned a lot of new things. Economic geology really is a different interesting world.

Positives and Negatives, but rarely ever Neutral charges

Of course there are both positives and negatives. I was presented mostly the positives, such as boosting the Argentinian economy, providing jobs, and beginning the creation of “greener” technology, which are yes all incredibly beneficial outcomes, yet I was left wondering about the negatives.

??

What kind of contamination occurs due to the mining?

How are the small communities impacted where the mining occurs?

Do the small cities receive any of the millions of dollars being produced?

Are the small cities okay with the invasion of their lands and the resources that are being taken from it?

For example, the conference was huge on precious metal and lithium mining and how they will be the resources of the future, as they will be used to power all battery cars and help with solar panel manufacturing.

But, what about the environment? What will be left of the land once mines come-and-go, creating abandoned towns and desolating already existing ones.

Face-to-face Culture Shock

After the conference I stayed an extra two-nights by myself to get to know Salta better. I took a ride through the Andes on “Tren a Las Nubes” a train that cruises at more than 14,000 feet through the unknown parts of the Andes. I was lucky enough to see incredible geology, views, and meet amazing people.

I spoke with one woman in particular who really left an ever-lasting brand on my heart. Her name was Yohana and she lives in San Antonio de los Cobres, the highest elevated city in Argentina at 12,382 feet.

I noticed her gathering some items of hers as the tourists got off the train. I went and sat next to her to ask her how her day was going and I wanted to ask her questions, especially after being at the mining conference and knowing San Antonio de los Cobres is a small city previously impacted by mines. I asked her about her family, her life in the city, and what she thought about politics. She told me about her life in los Cobres and how her income depends on tourists that come into the city, and that if she is able to vend her goods, she has dinner for the night. It was a powerful experience that has forever changed my life. We shared lunch together and I gave her some of my water, she then gave me rocks for good luck. I told her I study rocks and the earth for school and she was very pleased. She told me that tourists like to take photos with her and asked if I would like to, I obviously said yes.

I’ll be back…* said in Terminator voice*

I will definitely be back to San Antonio de los Cobres one day and I hope to meet with Yohana again. I would also like to maybe go and teach there and educate the people of the city on the geology surrounding them and the environmental impacts being caused by the companies that are coming in and out of their home.

Grateful

I am so grateful to be living in South America and capturing these instances, meeting new people, and understanding the values of different people.

Photos from the mining conference:

Here are some photos of the conference and my new geology friends that I am so happy to have in my life and to have met. Thank you to my Professor, Professor Lencina for inviting me!