Academic, technical, institutional, and international organization representatives gathered at a high-level event to analyze the challenges and opportunities of the lithium sector in Bolivia at a crucial moment for the global energy transition and the country’s industrial future.

The day began with welcoming remarks from AV Consult, the Tomás Frías Autonomous University (UATF), and the Bolivian National Academy of Sciences (ANCB), highlighting that the meeting took place just days after the change of government and in a context where Bolivia faces the urgent challenge of redefining its national lithium strategy after two decades without significant results.

International Technical Overview

In the first keynote address, Dr. Rosendo Sanjinez (EPFL, Switzerland) presented a comprehensive overview of the technological limitations of lithium-ion batteries, addressing cathode and anode materials, cell manufacturing, and emerging trends such as silicon anodes.

Subsequently, Dr. Satish Bolloju (University of Warwick, UK) presented recent advances in silicon anodes produced using PECVD, a scalable technology that significantly increases discharge capacity and opens new industrial possibilities for next-generation cells.

Strategic Vision for Bolivia

UNIDO’s representative in Bolivia, Diego Álvarez, emphasized that the country’s main obstacle is not the natural resource but rather the lack of technical human capital capable of operating Li₂CO₃ and LiOH plants under international standards of safety, sustainability, and quality. He stressed that Bolivia must urgently invest in technical training, certification, scientific English, and technology transfer programs that will allow the country to integrate into global supply chains.

Finally, Henry Oporto-FUNDACION MILENIO presented the guidelines of the proposed National Lithium and Salt Flats Policy, developed by a multidisciplinary team. The proposal aims to modernize the regulatory framework, open up opportunities for private investment with clear rules, strengthen institutions, and integrate Bolivia into the global electrification chain through the efficient and responsible production of lithium compounds.

Conclusions
The event concluded with an interactive question and answer session. Participants agreed that Bolivia is in a race against time to professionalize its sector, improve technical capabilities, attract responsible investment, and adopt international environmental and governance standards. The need to integrate academia, industry, regulation, and international cooperation was also emphasized so that the country can finally transform its geological potential into sustainable economic development.