Bolivia right-wing candidate pledges to scrap lithium deals with China, Russia

Published: Aug 26, 2025 16:05

Save

[SMM New Energy News Flash] Bolivia’s upcoming presidential election has intensified debate over the country’s vast lithium reserves. Right-wing candidate Jorge Quiroga, who came second in the first round, pledged to cancel $2 billion lithium extraction deals signed by outgoing President Luis Arce with Russia’s Uranium One and China’s CATL subsidiary, arguing they lacked transparency and local consultation. He vowed instead to seek alternative investment partners and pass new legislation to prevent favoritism. The deals, intended to help Bolivia enter the global lithium race, have already faced congressional blockages and legal challenges from Indigenous groups over environmental concerns. With Bolivia suffering from economic crisis, soaring inflation, and dwindling gas revenues, the October 19 runoff between Quiroga and frontrunner Rodrigo Paz will determine not only the country’s economic model but also the future of its lithium strategy.

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM‘s internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or to learn more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn

For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn

Related News

4 hours ago

Beijing Launches 500-kV Power Project in Fengtai, Boosting Grid Resilience and Industrial Growth

On January 28th, the construction of the 500-kilovolt power transmission and transformation project in Fengtai, Beijing officially started. This project is the first newly-built 500-kilovolt power grid project in Beijing during the 15th Five-Year Plan period. It will significantly enhance the resilience and power receiving capacity of the southern Beijing power grid and provide reliable power support for Beijing to continuously optimize the investment structure and vigorously develop high-end, precise, and cutting-edge industries. The 500-kilovolt power transmission and transformation project in Fengtai, Beijing is a key project of Beijing's power grid during the 15th Five-Year Plan period and one of the "3 100" key projects in Beijing this year. It is constructed and managed by the State

4 hours ago

Shaanxi-Anhui UHV DC Project's 500-kV AC System at Hezhou Station Begins Operation After Trial Run

On February 1st, the 500-kilovolt AC system of the Hezhou Converter Station, the receiving-end station of the ±800-kilovolt UHV DC power transmission project from northern Shaanxi to Anhui, was officially put into operation after a 24-hour trial run.

4 hours ago

750-kV Power Line Connecting Northern to Central Shaanxi Fully Operational

On February 2nd, the 750-kilovolt power transmission and transformation project of the third passageway from northern Shaanxi to central Shaanxi was fully connected. The project starts from the 750-kilovolt Shuofang Substation in Shenmu City in the north and ends at the 750-kilovolt Bailuyuan Substation in Lantian County in the south. It has newly built a 1,271-kilometer line, passing through 18 counties (districts) in 4 cities including Yulin, Yan'an, Weinan and Xi'an.

4 hours ago