Lithium extraction and industrialization: opportunities and challenges for Latin America and the Caribbean

5 July 2023 | Publication

Work area(s)

Natural resources

Topic(s)

Governance of natural resources Natural resources

Lithium extraction and industrialization: opportunities and challenges for Latin America and the Caribbean

- Publication corporate author (Institutional author): NU. CEPAL
- Physical description: 44 páginas.
- Publisher: ECLAC
- Date: 5 July 2023

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Abstract

Lithium is one of the key elements in the energy transition. Until now it has been an essential input in the production of lithium-ion batteries —a key technology for the decarbonization of transport and the storage of energy generated from renewable sources. Lithium is also considered a strategic resource by countries that have abundant lithium deposits. In Latin America, Argentina, Chile and the Plurinational State of Bolivia stand out for their deposits, forming the “lithium triangle”, while Brazil, Mexico and Peru, with smaller deposits, also have the potential to produce significant amounts.

Table of contents

  • Introduction
  • I. The global market for lithium batteries is expanding rapidly
  • II. Latin America is a major global player in the lithium sector, with a high degree of specialization in the extraction of the resource and the production of lithium compounds
  • III. Governance models
  • IV. Concluding remarks: guidelines for a productive development agenda around lithium.