THE LITHIUM CARTEL: How South America is Copying OPEC to Control the EV Future
THE LITHIUM CARTEL: How South America is Copying OPEC to Control the EV Future EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: 1. The "New Oil": In the 20th century, global geopolitics was dictated by OPEC and the flow of oil. In the 21st century, the world is transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs), and the new "oil" is Lithium. The countries that control this mineral will hold immense geopolitical leverage. 2. The Lithium Triangle: The world's largest lithium reserves are concentrated in the "Lithium Triangle" of South America—comprising Chile, Argentina, and Bolivia. These three nations hold over 50% of the world's lithium resources. They are now actively discussing the formation of a "Lithium OPEC" to control global prices and production. 3. The Processing Chokepoint: However, merely controlling the mines is not enough. China currently dominates the global processing and refining of lithium. Even if South America forms a cartel, they may find themselves trappe...