This project focuses on the Salar de Punta Negra, where a restoration plan is in place which will require monitoring over a decadal temporal period. Environmental DNA (eDNA) approaches are combined with routinary hydrogeological and biotic data to assess the ecological recovery of the Salar. The collection of eDNA samples involves the participation of indigenous communities in the region, together with local industry operators and consultants. By targeting the water column of the Salar, we seek a thorough ecosystem-level assessment of the ecological restoration of the lake through comparison with a range of other wetland ecosystems within the region. A multi-eDNA assay approach (targeting from bacteria to wading birds) is being employed to survey the biodiversity hosted by the Salar de Punta Negra and other wetlands across multiple seasons. Where possible, these molecular data are combined with conventional net sampling data (using macroinvertebrates as ecological indicators) to assess the validity of eDNA-based investigations at the salars. In addition, the data gathered through the project will also help explore the designing of STICI (Salar Taxon Independent Community Index) and refine current kits designed for saline/hypersaline freshwater environmental biomonitoring. For the testing of the applicability of STICI, we will be leveraging previous work of the proposed new collaborator Wilderlab NZ Ltd on the “taxon independent community index” (TICI) (Wilkinson et al., 2024), and also the technical aspects and lessons learned on from the eDGES sister project LiWA (Project Stream 7). The broader program, led by the eDGES team, involves BHP staff, associated workgroup representatives and local Chilean academics to participate in the sample collections, biomonitoring and data analysis to create meaningful connections to the restoration’s progress. The lessons learned in terms of ecosystem management have the potential to frame this study as a frontline project for effective collaboration between industry and academia.