Latin America in Focus Can Rodrigo Paz Unearth Bolivia’s Lithium Potential?
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Nov 13, 2025 Diego von Vacano, political scientist and former lithium policy advisor, unpacks Bolivia’s long lithium saga. He traces past political and legal roadblocks. He compares Bolivia to Chile and Argentina. He discusses Rodrigo Paz’s market-friendly approach, technical options like DLE, and tensions between investment, indigenous rights, and environmental protection.
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Constitutional Control Blocks Rapid Development
- Bolivia declared lithium a strategic state-owned resource in its 2009 constitution, blocking private extraction without constitutional change.
- That legal status explains decades of stalled investment despite vast reserves under Salar de Uyuni.
Advisor Finds Lithium During Crisis
- Diego von Vacano became involved after advising on Luis Arce's possible election and seeing Bolivia's economic crisis firsthand.
- He spotted lithium as a rare promising sector amid wider economic decline and made Texas contacts interested in Bolivia.
Long History, Limited Follow-Through
- Diego von Vacano recounts lithium attention beginning in the late 1970s and resurging under Evo Morales but with weak implementation.
- He notes Morales initiated action but lacked transparent bidding and effective follow-through.
