Consuelo Garcia Zavala's PhD project assesses the effectiveness of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) systems in the countries of the Lithium Triangle, in governing the socio-environmental impacts of lithium extraction in the context of accelerating global demand driven by decarbonisation. It examines how well EIA systems function as governance tools to balance resource development with the protection of fragile ecosystems and local communities.
The study adopts a mixed-methods approach. First, it evaluates the procedural effectiveness of EIA systems using a comprehensive framework based on international good practice and validated through an expert panel. Second, it examines stakeholder perceptions through interviews with representatives from communities, government, industry and academia. Consuelo's project includes fieldwork in Chile and Argentina. By integrating system-level analysis with stakeholder perspectives, the research identifies key strengths and gaps in current EIA practice and proposes a transferable framework to support improved environmental governance in the countries of the Lithium Triangle and beyond.
Consuelo holds a master’s degree in Environmental Management from The University of Queensland. Previously, she completed a bachelor’s degree in Engineering, a graduate diploma in Project Management and a certificate in Conflict Prevention and Sustainable Social Management in Peru.
Consuelo has worked as a Research Assistant at SMI's Centre for Water in the Minerals Industry (now Centre for Environmental Responsibility in Mining), contributing to projects focused on environmental management. She has also collaborated with the Sustainable Minerals Institute - International Centre of Excellence Chile on a project examining the socio-environmental challenges associated with lithium extraction in Chile.
Consuelo has industry experience in socio-environmental management within the mining sector in Peru and Australia. Her work has included socio-environmental impact assessment, regulatory compliance, environmental monitoring and reporting, permitting for exploration and operational projects, community engagement processes, and mine closure planning. As part of a consulting firm, she contributed to the preparation of socio-environmental impact assessments (SEIA) and a range of associated permits for major mining projects in Peru.