DEL MITO A LA REALIDAD: LA RELACIÓN ENTRE MINERÍA Y MERCADO LABORAL EN LA PORCIÓN ARGENTINA DEL “TRIÁNGULO DEL LITIO”

Abstract

      As it s well known, currently lithium is considered as a key metal to ensure the post-fossil energetic transition, electromobility, and the “green” economy. In the Argentinean state’s and capital’s narrative, its exploitation appears as a new ElDorado, capable of invigorating the labourt markets at national, regional and local scale. On the basis on official statistics and reports, scholar bibliography, corporative reports and journalistic information, this paper contrast the hegemonic discourse (the myth) and the objective material conditions (the reality) of the lithium mining in Argentina (i.e. the fourth major producer and exporter of such mineral) by using key dimensions of the labour markets, such as the direct and undirect employment levels, the geographical origin of the workforce recruited, the labour conditions, and the wages matter. The findings refute the “trickle down-effect” spread by both the corporations and the political elites, demonstrating that the export boom of such activity results in scarce and precarious employment, while the relatively high wages of this sector have not reversed the low average incomes of the provinces involved.