Bolivia
Critical minerals, policy, and the energy transition
The Energy Transition in Bolivia
Bolivia is one of the world’s most mineral-rich nations, holding vast reserves of lithium, tin, silver, and rare industrial elements vital to the global energy transition. Its position within the Lithium Triangle—alongside Argentina and Chile—has drawn international attention, particularly around the vast but underexploited lithium deposits of the Salar de Uyuni. However, Bolivia’s state-led resource strategy, infrastructure limitations, and ongoing regulatory uncertainty have tempered its ability to scale up mineral production for global supply chains. Bolivia’s energy mix is anchored in natural gas, hydropower, and an expanding solar footprint, though rural electrification and energy equity remain domestic priorities. The government continues to promote resource nationalism and strategic partnerships, particularly with non-Western allies, to advance industrialisation goals while asserting sovereignty over critical mineral assets. Within multilateral frameworks like the G77 and IADB, Bolivia is positioning itself as both a supplier of transition minerals and a voice for resource-rich nations seeking greater control over energy futures shaped by global demand.
Bolivia's international economic, trade, and security alliances
Bolivia's energy and power mix
Energy Raw Materials and products produced in Bolivia
Essential minerals production and products in Bolivia
The journey of South America's critical minerals
South America's advancement in renewable energy depends significantly on key minerals such as lithium, nickel, and cobalt, alongside PGMs, rare earths, and minor metals, which are vital for the development of low carbon and future technologies through the support of sustainable mining and innovative policies. This approach highlights the critical role of these minerals in securing a sustainable and energy-independent future. Explore how these critical minerals are central to South America's journey towards sustainable energy transformation.
Argentina
Argentina, a key Lithium Triangle player, is expanding production and leveraging global partnerships to strengthen its role in battery supply chains.
Brazil
Brazil, rich in niobium, bauxite, and rare earths, pairs large-scale mining with hydropower dominance, making it a key supplier in clean tech value chains.
Chile
Chile is the world’s second-largest lithium producer and a top exporter of copper, making it central to global energy transition infrastructure and mineral diplomacy.
Colombia
Colombia's wealth in gold, copper, and nickel is tempered by regulatory challenges and conflict-affected zones, complicating its path to secure mineral supply chains.
Ecuador
Ecuador is exploring its copper and gold potential amid rising investment interest, yet faces tensions over environmental protection and Indigenous land rights.
French Guiana
French Guiana prioritises environmental protection over extraction. With gold as its main mineral resource, its growing interest in renewable energy.
Guyana
Guyana’s gold and offshore oil boom fuels rapid growth, but raises questions about balancing extractive wealth with long-term energy sustainability.
Paraguay
Paraguay generates nearly 100% of its electricity from hydropower, offering a renewable energy advantage despite limited mineral production.
Peru
Peru is a global mining heavyweight, exporting copper, silver, and zinc, though political instability and social unrest continue to disrupt its extractive sector.
Suriname
Suriname depends heavily on gold exports, with its mining sector facing environmental and governance pressures in the biodiverse interior.
Uruguay
Uruguay has built one of Latin America’s greenest power grids, running largely on wind and solar, despite a limited presence in the critical minerals space.
Venezuela
Venezuela holds major reserves of oil, gold, and aluminium, but political and economic crises have hindered its mineral development and energy transition.
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
Uninhabited and protected, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands are a South Atlantic base for conservation and climate monitoring.
The Falkland Islands
The Falkland Islands lack major mining but are exploring offshore energy, with a focus on energy resilience, the environment, and maritime sovereignty.
Meet the Critical Minerals team
Trusted advice from a dedicated team of experts.
Henk de Hoop
Chief Executive Officer
Beresford Clarke
Managing Director: Technical & Research
Jamie Underwood
Principal Consultant
Ismet Soyocak
ESG & Critical Minerals Lead
Rj Coetzee
Senior Market Analyst: Battery Materials and Technologies
Dr Sandeep Kaler
Market Strategy Analyst
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