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.

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.

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.

How much will Bolivia's lithium industry invest in 2028?

He announced a $1.4 billion investment and hinted at possible future investments up to 2028. The construction of these plants could start as early as July. The total investment in the Bolivian lithium industry is expected to reach around $9.9 billion.

Will Bolivia build two lithium plants in Uyuni & Oruro salt flats?

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. The construction of these plants could start as early as July.

How will Arce's government exploit Bolivia's lithium deposits?

Last month, Arce’s government signed an agreement with China’s Citic Guoan and Russia’s Uranium One Group to exploit Bolivia’s lithium deposits. Together, they promised to invest $1.4 billion for the construction of two plants for the production and export of 50,000 tons of lithium annually starting in 2025 in the Pastos Grandes salt flats.