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Road to Electric Cars Runs Through Bolivia

Nationalism, socialism may make its lithium supply hard to tap

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Feb 3, 2009 9:13 AM CST

(Newser) – Are we about to replace our dependence on foreign oil with a dependence on foreign lithium? Almost half the world’s supply of the mineral—essential for the light, rechargeable batteries electric cars need—is found in Bolivia, where nationalist sentiment is running high, the New York Times reports. Evo Morales’ government is closely controlling the supply, rebuffing Japanese and European efforts to tap it.

Indigenous groups also want a cut; the new constitution passed last month may give Indians control over natural resources in their territory. “We know that Bolivia can become the Saudi Arabia of lithium,” said one farmer from the salt flats where lithium is found. “We are poor, but we are not stupid peasants. The lithium may be Bolivia’s, but it is also our property.”

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Miners finish their shift at 27 de Marzo cooperative mine in Potosi, southern Bolivia, Oct. 24, 2008. (AP Photo)

General Motors CEO Rick Wagoner introduces the Chevrolet Volt battery pack at the North American International Auto Show, Jan. 12, 2009, in Detroit. (AP Photo)

General Motors' Chevy Volt is seen on display during opening day of the North American International Auto Show, Jan. 17, 2009 in Detroit. (AP Photo)

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The previous imperialist model of exploitation of our natural resources will never be repeated in Bolivia. Maybe there could be foreigners accepted as minority partners, or better yet, as our clients. - Saúl Villegas, Comibol's lithium chief

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Road to Electric Cars Runs Through Bolivia