Bolivia, Russia Strengthen Lithium Agreements

Written by Amir Richani for Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--Bolivian President Luis Arce traveled to Russia last week to attend the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum and strengthen economic ties with Moscow. During his visit, Arce met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and representatives from Russian lithium companies, all of whom agreed to develop a lithium-related supply chain.

"I appreciate the support from the friendly Russian government, which has implemented several projects, such as the Nuclear Research and Technology Centre," said the Bolivian president, according to Russian news agency TASS.

Arce also wants Bolivia to produce lithium-based batteries with Russian cooperation.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), Bolivia holds the world's largest lithium reserves, with 23 million tons. The South American nation has signed lithium production agreements with two Chinese and one Russian company, but its industry remains relatively underdeveloped.

Unlike neighbors Argentina and Chile, Bolivia has reframed from opening its lithium sector widely, instead signing agreements with ideological allies to develop its industry.

Arce also met with the president of the Russian State Atomic Energy Corporation (ROSATOM), which has lithium contracts in Bolivia. ROSATOM agreed to speed up its related lithium development; it already is constructing a lithium plant in Bolivia's Uyuni Salt Flat, with a capacity of 14,000 tons of lithium carbonate.

According to an interview with Arce on Bolivia TV, he agreed to meet periodically with ROSATOM to accelerate the construction of the plant. The asset is projected to have an initial capacity of 8,000 tons of lithium carbonate, with the potential for future expansions.

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