Latam Lithium Guide 2024/2025

In a world increasingly focused on sustainability and technological innovation, lithium is emerging as a critical resource as key industries transform. Known as the “metal of the future,” lithium plays a crucial role in the clean energy revolution, being an essential material in the lithium-ion batteries that power electric mobility and store renewable energy require. Its geological abundance, combined with its unique properties, places it at the heart of the transition to a more renewable and connected world.

Lithium reserves and resources are found worldwide, but the greatest concentration of reserves is in Latam. Ongoing exploration has significantly increased identified lithium resources to approximately 103 million metric tons. The distribution of identified lithium resources is detailed in the table below:

Global resources (million metric tons), 2024

** These countries are reported on a consolidated basis, including other jurisdictions, with a total reserves calculated at 2,800,000.

Lithium Triangle

Lithium in Peru 

The so-called “lithium triangle” formed by Chile, Argentina, and Bolivia, which accounts for more than half of the world’s reserves of the white metal, may soon become the “lithium square” with the inclusion of Peru. 

Peru is eager to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the green energy transition and is taking a more active role in promoting lithium mining investments. Unlike some of its Andean neighbors, Peru imposes no state controls or restrictions on the development of new lithium mining projects within the country.

Lithium presents a valuable opportunity for Latin America to enhance economic development and engage in the clean energy and electric mobility sectors. Nonetheless, these opportunities come with challenges that must be managed responsibly and sustainably.