2024-03-03 10:03:00
In a recent interview by Javier Milei with Mirtha Legrand, the president assured that Elon Musk “is extremely interested in lithium” from South America. Photo: LR/AFP composition
A South American country stands out for two unusual records: it is the flattest in the world and it has the largest lithium reserve in the world. It has no access to the sea and is one of the countries with the greatest natural biodiversity on the planet. With 1,098,581 kilometers of surfacethis nation extends through the Andes to the Amazon and shares with Peru the Titicaca lakewhich, with 8,300 km² and an altitude of 3,812 meters above sea level, is the highest navigable lake in the world.
Located in the center of South Americathis country is crossed by the Andes mountain range from north to south and divides it into two geographical regions: the highlands and the valleys and plains.
This country has approximately 21 million tons of lithium. Photo: Mongabay
The flattest country in the world is in South America
Bolivia It is the flattest country in the world, according to various international media. The nation’s geographic diversity contributes to a wide range of ecosystems despite the assumption that its climate is uniform and lacking variation.
According to information from Bolivia Red Mundial, the country’s climatic spectrum ranges from tropical to cold, dry and temperate climatic conditions. The Amazon region of Bolivia is distinguished by having a humid tropical climate, where temperatures remain between 25 °C and 30 °C throughout the year.
On the other hand, the high plateau, located more than 3,500 meters above sea level, experiences a cold and dry climate. Daytime temperatures can reach 20°C, while at night they can drop to as low as -10 °C. The valley and plain areas, which are located at an altitude of between 1,500 and 3,000 meters above sea level, enjoy a temperate climate with temperatures that fluctuate between 15 °C and the 25 °C during the year. Despite this varied climatic and natural diversity, Bolivia continues to stand out for its unique geography.
The Uyuni salt flat has the largest lithium reserve in the world
The Uyuni salt flat houses one of the most significant reserves of lithium globally on an area of 10.582 km². It is also the largest, most continuous and highest salt desert in the world.
Bolivia has approximately 21 million tons of lithium. Thus, it is at the top of reserves worldwide, according to Bloomberg. However, the nation faces significant challenges in terms of infrastructure and technology for the effective exploitation of this resource.
Despite these difficulties, Bolivia has ambitious plans for the future of its lithium industry, with the intention of not only extracting the mineral, but also processing it. This country aspires to be a fundamental player in the global supply chain. While Bolivia is still in the preliminary phases of exploiting this resource, countries like Chile y Argentina They have already consolidated their presence in the international lithium market.
Elon Musk and lithium in South America
In a recent interview with Javier Milei, president of the Republic of Argentina with Mirtha Legrand, assured that Elon Musk “is extremely interested in lithium” and that “the United States Government and many companies” are interested in acquiring Argentine lithium. The magnate and the Argentine president have had a close relationship since the libertarian’s triumph.
Tesla plans to begin production of enough lithium for approximately one million electric vehicles for the year 2025in a new facility being built in Texas, as announced Elon Muskthe company’s CEO.
The company has begun the construction of a lithium refining plant with the aim of guaranteeing the supply of this essential component for batteries, which is crucial to achieving its sales goal of electric vehicles. Musk indicated that Tesla’s objective is to complete the construction of the plant in 2024 and achieve full production capacity regarding a year later.
What is lithium used for?
He lithium It is a vital chemical element for the manufacture of rechargeable batteries, used in electronic devices such as cell phones, computers and electric vehicles. In addition, it has applications in medicine, especially in the treatment of mood disorders such as bipolar disorder. Its ability to store energy efficiently and its lightness make it indispensable in the transition to renewable energy sources and in the electrification of transportation.
The largest lithium reserve in the world is in South America
He lithium triangle is the geographical area located in the salt flats Dead Man (Argentina)he salar de Uyuni (Bolivia) and the salar de Atacama (Chile). This region has places that, due to their high levels of lithium concentration, are very profitable compared to other deposits, according to the USGS.
Which countries export the most lithium in the world?
Chile, Australia y Argentina They lead the production and export of lithium worldwide. Australia tops the list with significant production, closely followed by Chile, which takes advantage of its salt flats in the Atacama Desert, according to the cited source.
Argentina It also plays an important role, especially in the Puna region. These countries have positioned themselves strategically in the market, taking advantage of the growing demand and technological advances in lithium extraction and processing.
How is lithium extracted from the ground?
Lithium is extracted from three types of deposits: pegmatites, brines and sedimentary rocks. Brine deposits represent around 66% of global lithium resources and are mainly found in the salt flats of Chile, Argentina, China y Tibet.
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