Rosatom’s international group, Uranium One, and Bolivia’s state lithium enterprise, YLB, moved forward with a plan to build an industrial complex for extracting lithium carbonate (LCE) in Bolivia’s Potosí region. The announcement came from the Russian state agency’s press service on a Thursday in late June, referencing the agreement to establish a full-scale production hub that would cover the entire supply chain—from lithium-bearing brines to finished battery-ready product. The project marks a significant international initiative, pairing Russian expertise with Bolivian resources to tap into one of the world’s largest lithium reserves. (Source: Rosatom press service)
For Rosatom, the venture represents the first major wholly foreign project in lithium, with an investment level around US$600 million. The collaboration aims to create a vertically integrated operation in Bolivia, facilitating the processing of lithium raw materials into a marketable product within the country and region. (Source: Rosatom press service)
Geological surveys point to a facility capable of producing 25 thousand tons of lithium carbonate each year, with clear potential for expanding capacity as demand grows. Kirill Komarov, Rosatom’s First Deputy General Manager, highlighted this scalable plan, noting the project’s strategic importance for ensuring long-term supply security in the sector. The initial phase is slated to begin operations in the near term, with full capacity anticipated to be reached by the latter part of the decade. (Source: Rosatom press service)
In Russia, lithium is not mined domestically, leading to a steady import pattern where the country relies on South American sources for LCE. Annual imports run into several thousand tons, underscoring the potential impact of a Bolivian project on Russia’s supply chain. (Source: Kommersant)
“Bolivia has entered the age of lithium”
Lithium stands as a key material for batteries and energy storage systems, underpinning electronics, electric vehicles, and renewable energy infrastructure. Bolivia’s Uyuni, Coipasa, and Pastos Grandes salt flats hold what are believed to be the world’s largest proven lithium reserves, positioning the country as a pivotal player in the global supply landscape. This potential has drawn international attention, with officials emphasizing Bolivia’s move toward leveraging its resources to meet growing demand. (Source: Rosatom press service)
Russian leadership has stressed the advances in extraction technology, claiming the ability to recover a high percentage of lithium from salt brines. The approach is described as environmentally conscious, emphasizing water restoration to saline flats and minimal chemical processing. Analysts note that production costs for lithium from groundwater brines can be relatively favorable in comparison with current market prices for lithium carbonate, which have been elevated in recent years. (Source: Rosatom press service)
In early 2023, Bolivian authorities signaled an acceleration in development, inviting foreign partners to participate in the country’s lithium program. The collaboration with a major international group underscores Bolivia’s strategic goal to accelerate production, diversify partnerships, and enhance infrastructure in support of a growing lithium-based ecosystem. (Source: red blood cell)
The Bolivian plan aligns with the broader objective of boosting domestic processing capacity and manufacturing capabilities. In this context, Rosatom has signaled its intent to utilize Bolivian lithium to support a broader manufacturing agenda, including integrated battery production facilities. Additionally, the initiative contemplates further development of related resources, such as the Kolmozerskoye field in the Murmansk region, in partnership with Norilsk Nickel, to diversify downstream lithium activities. (Source: Rosatom press service)