We had the pleasant presence of the author of the research, Fernando Anaya, who presented the important points of the document which was later commented by a panel of experts from Argentina, Chile and Bolivia. The following day, these specialists joined more expert colleagues from these 3 countries for the closed workshop.
Lithium emerges as an enormous possibility for the development of the region, considering that it is necessary to consolidate a value chain that does not remain in the mere exploitation, but integrates broader processes such as distribution, production and even recirculation of the mineral.
The countries of the lithium triangle, Argentina, Chile and Bolivia, (where the main salt flats with this mineral are located) can benefit from the use of this resource; However, being located in areas of ecological importance (the biology of the salt flats) and of social interest (indigenous and surrounding communities), it is ethically and economically obligatory to have development strategies that include the impacts that can be generated, in order to put environmental remediation and community relations systems in the same equation and ensure that the development of this mineral, essential for the energy transition, is beneficial for all parties.
Lithium is currently transcending the commercial aspect to become a geopolitical asset where countries such as China, the USA and the European Union are showing interest in its extraction. For this reason, a Latin American regional integration that helps to negotiate as a block, offers production rather than just extraction and sets favorable conditions for the economy, the environment and society would be a strategic move.
We will soon be publishing a report of both days in order to make public the main ideas, debates and questions that surrounded both the presentation and the workshop on the so-called "White Gold of the Andes".
