The United States continues to focus on Bolivia, seeking to ensure a government is in place that will secure a steady supply of lithium for American industries.
This ongoing effort highlights the significance of Bolivia’s lithium reserves to the U.S.
The recent mutiny in Bolivia was short-lived, lasting only three hours due to minimal support from the armed and security forces.
The general public also did not back the mutiny, with many taking to the streets to defend their democracy.
Despite initial panic in La Paz, where citizens flocked to schools, ATMs, and supermarkets as tanks roamed the streets, the situation was quickly controlled.
Arrest of General Zúñiga
General Juan José Zúñiga, the leader of the mutiny, was asked to remove his soldiers from government buildings but refused and was subsequently arrested.
Zúñiga had been removed from his post as commander of the armed forces just before the mutiny for his involvement in politics, which is illegal in Bolivia.
He had publicly opposed former President Evo Morales’ candidacy for another term and aimed to release the leaders of the 2019 pro-American coup, Jeanine Áñez and Fernando Camacho, who are currently imprisoned.
US Influence and Protests
Bolivia’s continental neighbors, except for the United States, condemned the coup attempt.
While Washington monitored the situation calmly, US Charge d’Affaires in La Paz, Debra Hevia, was summoned by Bolivian officials who accused the US Embassy of meddling in Bolivia’s internal affairs.
On June 13, Bolivia’s Minister of Economy directly accused the US Embassy of orchestrating a “soft coup” amid the country’s fuel crisis.
Lithium: Bolivia’s National Treasure
The United States is keen on having allies in Bolivia due to its vast lithium reserves, which are crucial for battery production.
The demand for lithium has surged with the rise in electric vehicle production.
In March 2023, Laura Richardson, head of the US Southern Command, emphasized the strategic importance of the “lithium triangle” (Bolivia, Argentina, Chile) to U.S. national security.
International Dynamics and Nationalization
Notably, Chile and Argentina, unlike Bolivia, keep their lithium industries in private hands.
These countries attended a Swiss conference on Ukraine and endorsed its resolution, while Bolivian President Arce was in Moscow finalizing a lithium production agreement with Rosatom, Russia’s Federal Atomic Energy Agency.
Bolivia’s government has nationalized mineral extraction since 2008, with the state-owned company YLB managing investments and exports.
Experts believe that establishing a full ore beneficiation cycle could address many of Bolivia’s structural issues, boosting infrastructure, healthcare, and education through increased revenues from ore exports.
Conclusion
The United States’ interest in Bolivia’s lithium reserves underpins its continued involvement in the country’s political affairs.
Bolivia’s approach to managing its national asset contrasts with its neighbors, emphasizing state control over mineral wealth as a means to national development.
TDPel Media
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