What's going on with Bolivia's largely untapped lithium reserves?

Sources In a significant move towards the development of Bolivia's largely untapped lithium reserves, Chinese battery giant CATL has confirmed a $1.4 billion investment. The deal, which was cemented on Sunday, is a continuation of a partnership with the Bolivian government that was established in January.

Can China develop EV batteries in Bolivia?

A giant Chinese battery company, Catl, has won a bidding process to develop Bolivia's huge lithium reserves. The ultra-light metal is used in electric vehicle (EV) batteries, production of which is expected to soar as fossil fuels are phased out.

Will Bolivia produce lithium batteries by 2025?

The Bolivian government has chosen a Chinese consortium led by battery giant Contemporary Amperex Technology to invest upward of $1 billion to develop untapped lithium deposits, with the ambitious goal of producing lithium batteries in the country by 2025. Bolivia has the largest lithium reserves in the world but little local means to develop them.

Will China invest $1 billion in lithium batteries in Bolivia?

(IC Photo) The Bolivian government has chosen a Chinese consortium led by battery giant Contemporary Amperex Technology to invest upward of $1 billion to develop untapped lithium deposits, with the ambitious goal of producing lithium batteries in the country by 2025.

Does Bolivia have a lithium plant?

This follows a deal between Bolivia’s state-run lithium company, Yacimientos del Litio Bolivianos (YLB), and a Chinese consortium. CATL agreed to invest over $1 billion in the project’s first stage for rights to develop the two lithium plants. Despite being a global leader in electric vehicle batteries, CATL does not currently produce any lithium.

Will Bolivia build a lithium plant in the salt flats?

The agreement focuses on Bolivia’s salt flats, known for their vast lithium resources. Bolivian President Luis Arce confirmed the plan to build two lithium plants in the country’s Uyuni and Oruro salt flats after meeting with CATL executives. He announced a $1.4 billion investment and hinted at possible future investments up to 2028.