A couple years ago, Bolivia was described by some as âthe Saudi Arabia of lithiumâ in reference to an evolving market for batteries for future electric vehicles. A recent study by Rice Universityâs Baker Institute on Public Policy notes questions linger about Boliviaâs possible role in the lithium industry.âThe supply picture is quite complex, not only globally, but specifically in Bolivia,â said David Mares, Baker Institute scholar for Latin American Energy Studies and a political science professor at the University of California, San Diego.âThere are multiple issues that have to be resolved before Bolivian production, still 10 to 15 years down the road by some estimates, could enter the market, particularly given the quality of Bolivian lithium, the countryâs lack of infrastructure, and an unstable political environment,â he said.Unlike oil and gas markets, lithium is not consumed as it works in batteries. The battery industry likely will be able to recycle the lithium once a battery dies, although Mares estimates the lithium recycling infrastructure is 5-10 years away from being commercially available.Bolivia has no lithium extraction and processing industry so it would have to partner with others or develop indigenous technology, the Baker Institute researcher noted. Potential international investors might include oil and gas companies.âThe government has invited Japan Oil, Gas & Metals Corp., Mitsubishi, and Sumitomo from Japan; LG Chem Ltd. and Korea Resources Corp. from Korea; Brazilâs Ministry of Science and Technology; and Franceâs Eramet SA and Bolloreâ to advise Bolivia about lithium projects, Mares said.Boliviaâs participation as a lithium supplier will be interesting to watch unfold. As Mares notes, âThe government is already committed to a $1 billion investment plan in hydrocarbons to pick up the slack caused by natural gas policies that are seen as unfriendly to private investment.â