Automakers and government officials seeking lower reliance towards oil, have found an answer. The answer to the problem is found in Bolivia. Bolivia provides almost half of the world’s lithium which can be used to power vehicles and company equipment. Because of the country’s easy will to give up the lithium, hopefully, many cultures like the Japanese and the Europeans are trying to cut the best deal in order to be in control of lithium’s future plans.
“We know that Bolivia can become the Saudi Arabia of lithium,” said Francisco Quisbert, 64, the leader of Frutcas, a group of salt gatherers and quinoa farmers on the edge of Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat. “We are poor, but we are not stupid peasants. The lithium may be Bolivia’s, but it is also our property.”
The United States Geological Survey says 5.4 million tons of lithium could potentially be extracted in Bolivia, compared with 3 million in Chile, 1.1 million in China and just 410,000 in the United States.
One of the biggest potential companies that have the possibility to use lithium and be successful is the automotive industry. It would allow electric cars to store more energy and be driven longer distances.
The United States Geological Survey says 5.4 million tons of lithium could potentially be found in Bolivia, compared with 410,000 in the United States. While estimates vary widely, some geologists say electric-car manufacturers could draw on Bolivia’s lithium reserves for decades to come.
“Of course, lithium is the mineral that will lead us to the post-petroleum era,” Mr. Castro said. “But in order to go down that road, we must raise the revolutionary consciousness of our people, starting on the floor of this very factory.”
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Since the United States has the least amount of lithium than most of the other countries, may just maybe they can cut a deal with Bolivia. Now that we are trying to cut back on energy this would be beneficial to our needs. With the United States economy in the state that it's in, they don't have the money to spend right now, but maybe in the near future. Then again if it will help the auto industries and other resources that we need, maybe they will consider negotiating sooner than later.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fascinating article--a revelation, as far as I'm concerned, since I have never heard about this possible means of expanding the use of electric cars, thus cutting some of our dependence on petroleum. Electric cars have failed to catch on, in my opinion, because of the inconvenience in charging the battery. Lithium would increase that battery life. Bolivia is a poor country, so I hope someone in the government, who is NOT corrupt, comes up with a plan to improve the economy with their lithium. Imagine a chemical that is used in the treatment of manic-depression, giving new life to car batteries! The comparisons are almost amusing.
ReplyDeleteI believe the Bolivians are being a little closed minded about expediting a natural resource, which they have more than enough of. According an article in BBC news "Bolivia holds half the World's lithium reserves, but is reluctant to damage its untouched salt flats in order to exploit this potentially lucrative resource." Damian Kahya reports. I understand not wanting to harm their land but this is bigger than Bolivia. If we are able to tap into their resource and gain control of it, we could dramatically decrease pollution, save our environment, and improve not only our economy, but Bolivia's as well.
ReplyDeleteIf we do get control of lithium from Bolivia, then maybe our dependence on foreign oil will decrease. But until that happens I dont think we will ever give up our dependence on foreign oil. Why are gas prices going up when crude oil barrel prices are fluctuating? Because of our supply and demand of oil in our daily lives. We live off the oil. Even if we do get this lithium, we will never give up the oil. Great post.
ReplyDelete