In the rush to build the next generation of hybrid or electric cars, a sobering fact confronts both automakers and governments seeking to lower their reliance on foreign oil: almost half of the world’s lithium, the mineral needed to power the vehicles, is found here in Bolivia — a country that may not be willing to surrender it so easily.
Japanese and European companies are busily trying to strike deals to tap the resource, but a nationalist sentiment about the lithium is building quickly in the government of President Evo Morales
For now, the government talks of closely controlling the lithium and keeping foreigners at bay. Adding to the pressure, indigenous groups here in the remote salt desert where the mineral lies are pushing for a share in the eventual bounty.
“We know that Bolivia can become the Saudi Arabia of lithium,” said Francisco Quisbert, 64, the leader of Frutcas, a group of salt gatherers and quinoa farmers on the edge of Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat. “We are poor, but we are not stupid peasants. The lithium may be Bolivia’s, but it is also our property.”
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/03/world/americas/03lithium.html
So here's a concept: why not build the automobiles in Bolivia? In the meantime though, I hope Evo Morales has competent bodyguards.....
Stumble It!
In bloody deed. Ripe for a declaration as a terrorist state or some such, or for CIA cash inputs to get the wealthy class to declare their own independence. Oops, forgot. This latter movement is already being attempted, to divide the country along class and indigineous people vs the "Spanish" descendant interloper lines.
Viva Evo Morales! Had we half the guts, and the cajones/ ovaries to act as/emulate and align ourselves with these kind of peoples everywhere, rising to defend and more effectively utilize their own resources and national territory against the Euro/Yanqui imperialists. Ooops, forgot. This is bootlick Canada.
We ARE stupid and gutless colonials. Thus far. Thus far. Though even the weak are known sometimes, to find the courage within themselves, to finally and effectively ACT.
Maybe one day...
Coyote
Gee!