Models of lithium exploitation in Latin America

Is history repeating itself

Bibliographic Data

ID13068580
AuthorsRafael F Jovine (corresponding author), María José Paz Antolín (0000-0002-4892-8006)
Year2024
Volume22
Pages101581-101581
Publication date2024-12-07
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueThe Extractive Industries and Society (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2214-790X • E-ISSN: 2214-7918
PublisherElsevier BV (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1016/j.exis.2024.101581
OpenAlexW4405128686
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited25

To define exploitation model and how to study it. • To research exploitation models in the lithium triangle. • To identify key institutions and actors in lithium exploitation. • To make a comparative analysis with the Neoextractivist exploitation model. • To delimitate scope and limitations of each exploitation model. Lithium is among the minerals most demanded for use in driving the energy transition of the global north. However, 61.5 % of world reserves are located in Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile. Based on an Institutional Political Economy approach, the first objective of this paper is to characterize the lithium exploitation models of each country based on analysis of the actors and regimes that configure them. Second, this paper evaluates whether the three countries are applying exploitation models distinct from the (neo)extractivist model, identifying the most decisive regimes and configurations of actors. The analysis identifies measures that partially diverge from the (neo)extractivist model in Chile and Bolivia. In these cases, the State has played a crucial role in transforming the rules of the game and gradually paving the way for an industrialization agenda based on lithium. In contrast, Argentina shows a greater degree of subordination to transnational capital. Nevertheless, due to the reliance on demand from the Global North, mineral exploitation appears to perpetuate the primary-export model, thereby maintaining center-periphery development patterns. Despite the implementation of supply-side strategies, the absence of a domestic market for electric vehicles represents a structural limitation for these three countries in effectively advancing their own transition processes

Latin Americans · Lithium (medication · Political science · Psychiatry · Extraction and Separation Processes · History · International Development and Aid · Law · Natural Resources and Economic Development · Psychology

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