ON AIR
Researchers from the Quintana Roo Council for the Humanities, Sciences, and Technologies (Coqhcyt) have recently confirmed the presence of lithium deposits in the municipality of José María Morelos, located in the Maya region of Quintana Roo.
According to Cristopher Malpica Morales, Coqhcyt’s General Director, this discovery represents a major opportunity for the region’s technological and economic development, as lithium is considered a strategic mineral in today’s global landscape.
Lithium is essential in the production of rechargeable batteries, which are used in a wide range of modern devices and technologies. Its main applications include electric vehicles, mobile phones, laptops, cordless tools, renewable energy storage systems, and medical equipment.
This element also plays a key role in the energy transition toward cleaner sources by enabling efficient storage of solar and wind energy.
Preliminary studies suggest that the lithium deposits may extend into neighboring municipalities such as Felipe Carrillo Puerto and Bacalar, further increasing the area’s mining potential and strengthening Quintana Roo’s standing on the national mining map.
However, the discovery has also raised environmental concerns. Cave and cenote explorer Ramón Aguilera Castillo has expressed deep concern about the potential ecological impact of lithium mining, warning of the risk of an environmental disaster if extraction activities are not properly managed.
The region is home to fragile underground ecosystems and water bodies that could be severely affected by unregulated mining practices.
This discovery positions Quintana Roo as a new player in Mexico’s lithium industry. The country already holds significant lithium reserves, particularly in the state of Sonora.
As research continues and the economic and environmental implications are further evaluated, it will be crucial to strike a balance between leveraging this strategic resource and preserving the region’s natural environment.
