A Socio-technical Transition of Sustainable Lithium Industry in Latin America

Abstract

Abstract To support a sustainable mobility transition and zero-carbon economy globally, important efforts are currently being made towards the use of sustainable transport, such as electric vehicles. In this context, the role of lithium is crucial for the manufacturing of electric vehicles powered by lithium-ion batteries. However, more than half of the global lithium reserves are located in the three Latin American countries comprising the so-called Lithium Triangle – namely, Argentina, Bolivia and Chile. Each of these countries has a different national lithium regime and national policy to support the lithium industry in the processing and export of this natural resource. This paper analyses the potential of socio-technical transition theory for building a sustainable global lithium industry, with emphasis on Argentina, Bolivia and Chile. We adopt a multilevel perspective to explore the major mining policies and national lithium arrangements, industry challenges and future scenarios among major industry and public actors in these countries.