This photo was taken at the end of a long day conducting field research in the Andean highlands of Bolivia. It’s part of a larger SSHRC-funded study called Lithium Frontiers that's looking into the economic and environmental impacts of lithium mining across five countries. On this trip, I collaborated with local researchers to understand the strategies Indigenous communities are using to influence government decisions around lithium extraction and development
While Bolivia is home to one of the largest lithium deposits globally, the country has struggled to realize significant revenue from lithium-ion batteries and electric vehicles. This has been linked to poor hydro-geological conditions and ongoing regional tensions surrounding the distribution of resources and royalties. With consumer preferences and technologies evolving, many in Bolivia worry that the window of opportunity to capitalize on the growing demand for lithium might close soon.
For me, this image captures the feelings of hope and uncertainty that many Bolivians feel about the future of lithium development in their country.
