Bolivia and Lithium

A few months ago, I visited Bolivia for a conference of indigenous women. This turns out to be a very interesting year to have visited Bolivia, as both the president and the natural resources of the country have gotten a lot of press time in the American media. Recently, several major newspapers have reported on Bolivia´s large lithium deposits (possibly half of the world´s supply) and lithium´s potential importance to a developing “green” energy supply. I found the New York Times´ (and other papers´ coverage) rather slanted, as those same stories express frustration with the Bolivian government, which is refusing to simply yield the lithium to foreign investors, wishing for some or most of the income from the mineral to remain in the country. I am not much of an expert on international business, but the lovely, dignified complex that held the conference was funded by the newly nationalized natural gas industry. Wouldn´t it be great if the lithium in the soil could not only contribute to rechargable batteries but also to building schools and houses and hospitals all over Bolivia? I hope for the best for the beautiful, embattled country and its enthusiastic but impoverished peoples.