Lithium exploration in Bolivia: directions, challenges and possibilities
This paper discusses the ongoing lithium exploration process in Bolivia. Lithium is characterized by being a highly valued metal, whose main attribution is in the production of high performance batteries, such as for electric vehicles. Therefore, its use is important for frontier technological development and for the development of a low carbon economy. Bolivia is among the world's largest holders of metal reserves and intends to move forward with a primarily state-owned project for the industrialization of resources.
Thus, the dissertation aims to analyze the policy of lithium exploitation undertaken by the Bolivian government, which seeks to establish in the country the production of high value-added electric batteries. The project, it should be pointed out, is carried out jointly between State and foreign private initiative, under control state control. To this end, we use the theoretical contributions in the developmental field and natural resources as a strategy for development.
We also consider that the country has gone through several cycles of natural resource exploitation without ever being able to pursue effective development policies, with natural gas being the most recent experience. The country's unsuccessful track record of natural resource policies and the technical difficulties of the venture may jeopardize the implementation of this project. However, we argue that nationalism of natural resources, as well as the policy of sovereign insertion with international companies in the sector can lead to the success of the initiative.