The Intelligence from The Economist Make ore break: Latin America’s commodities
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Aug 17, 2023 Ana Lankes, The Economist's Latin America correspondent, dives into the region's role in the booming lithium market, essential for electric vehicles. She discusses how Latin America's vast resources could spark economic growth, while also navigating environmental concerns and geopolitical issues. The conversation touches on the looming troubles for Germany's auto industry, especially Volkswagen, illustrating the global impacts of these shifts. Lankes also highlights the importance of recent successes in women's football, showcasing a transformative period for gender equality in sports.
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Lithium Extraction in Atacama
- Ana Lankes visited the Atacama Desert in Chile to observe lithium production.
- She described the otherworldly landscape and the process of extracting lithium from brine.
Latin American Commodities Boom
- Latin America is poised for a commodities boom driven by the green transition, population growth, and geopolitical tensions.
- These factors increase demand for the region's minerals, foodstuffs, and neutral investment opportunities.
Latin America's Resources
- Latin America holds significant reserves of copper and lithium, essential for green technologies.
- The region is also a major food exporter with vast farmland, contributing a substantial portion of global food supplies.