Lithium: Here’s why Latin America is key to the global energy transition

Jan 10, 2023

Lithium ion batteries are pictured at a production line at a newly inaugurated Quantum Batteries factory, in Bolivia.

Out of a global total of 86 million tons of identified lithium, Bolivia is home to 21 million tons. Image: REUTERS/Patricia Pinto

Stefan Ellerbeck

Senior Writer, Forum Agenda

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A graphic showing 60% of all identified lithium resources are found in Latin America, 2022.

Bolivia, Argentina and Chile are part of Latin America’s ‘lithium triangle’. Image: UNDP.

A bar chart showing how only a few countries with lithium resources have been able to mine it.

Most countries with lithium resources have so far not been able to successfully mine it. Image: UNDP.

A graph showing how lithium prices increased 11-fold in the last 2 years.

Increasing global demand for lithium is causing prices to soar. Image: UNDP.

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