[Spanish to English translation provided by the Resource Centre]

‘Civil society demands participation in the review of lithium contracts’, 17 January 2025

...Civil society representatives have requested that the contracts signed in the lithium business by Yacimientos de Litio Bolivianos (YLB) with Chinese and Russian companies be analysed in an open and participatory manner by the whole of society.

More than 20 civil society organisations sent a letter to the Legislative Assembly requesting that the decisions be informed and legitimate, in the collective interest of the country...

Last week, the Energy and Hydrocarbons Committee of the Chamber of Deputies approved the contracts with the Chinese consortium CBC and the Russian Uranium One Group, which include the installation of three lithium carbonate production plants in the Salar de Uyuni. The debate must now pass to the plenary of the Chamber of Deputies and then to the Senate.

These contracts, which will last at least 36 years, are considered key to Bolivia's economic and environmental future. However, their approval has been criticised for lack of transparency and public participation.

In addition to the millions of dollars in investments, the contracts will have profound implications for the economy, the environment and the communities near the Salar de Uyuni, which holds the world's largest lithium reserves and is a vital ecosystem for the country...