Trade-Offs and Impact Redistribution in Lithium Extraction: Toward a Systemic Analysis of Technological Configurations in Hydrogeological Systems, with Evidence from Chile

Lithium has become a critical resource in the global energy transition; however, its sustainability assessment remains fragmented, as technological performance, environmental impacts, and governance dimensions are typically evaluated independently. This fragmentation constrains the understanding of systemic trade-offs and limits the recognition of sustainability as an emergent property arising from the interaction of technological, hydrogeological, and territorial configurations. This study proposes a systemic approach that conceptualizes lithium extraction technologies as interdependent configurations rather than isolated technical solutions. Based on a structured review of scientific literature and operational evidence, the analysis integrates resource efficiency, technological performance, environmental impacts, and governance dimensions to identify patterns of impact redistribution across water consumption, energy use, production efficiency, and hydrogeological stability. The findings indicate that Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) should not be interpreted as a universally superior alternative but rather as a reconfiguration of the extraction system that reduces brine withdrawal while increasing dependence on freshwater resources, energy consumption, and uncertainties associated with reinjection processes. Furthermore, evidence from Chile demonstrates that favorable geological conditions do not necessarily translate into sustainability outcomes because of persistent water constraints and socio-environmental tensions. Overall, the sustainability of lithium extraction depends less on the characteristics of individual technologies than on the degree of alignment between technological configuration, hydrogeological conditions, and governance arrangements. These findings shift the focus of assessment from linear comparisons among technologies toward a systemic evaluation of configurations that is better suited to contexts characterized by high socio-hydrogeological complexity.