After Mining

As technology advances, the demand for natural resources has surged, leading to environmental pressures from uncontrolled mining. This thesis critiques extractivism, focusing on the lithium triangle (Argentina, Bolivia, Chile), examining mining history, methods, and impacts on local communities and ecosystems. The study features three mine types (open pit, underground, brine) and their environmental impacts, illustrated with a three-dimensional map. To illustrate resource restoration, three architectural designs symbolize the transition from extraction to recovery. “Well of Copper Dust Mountain” features a giant well reclaiming copper dust. “The Techno-Columbarium” is an underground tomb for outdated technology. “Tower of Reflection” rises from an artificial lake, symbolizing nature's return.