The projected boom in electric and hybrid vehicles has sparked a global interest in new lithium projects. But Bolivia, one of South America’s poorest economies, has shunned foreign investment and plans to develop a large-scale project with state funding.
Saul Villegas, director of Bolivia’s National Bureau for Evaporative Studies, a branch of the state-run Bolivian Mining Corp. (COMIBOL), explained the country’s plans to turn the world’s largest lithium reserves into the new hub of global production.
Industrial Minerals: Why is the lithium industry so important to Bolivia?
Saul Villegas: The present political context in Bolivia makes necessary the development of a national and social project. The project will consolidate the government and country with its own industry capable of producing and commercialising products with added value, meeting international standards.
Under these circumstances, we are moving forward on the...