This voucher a Potosi refers to the silver and gold extracted by the Spaniards for centuries in the mines of Potosi (Bolivia), discovered in 1545 and used to finance wars in Europe and to carry out new companies colonizing. It is said that, with all that money, you could build a bridge between Bolivia and Spain. After precious metals were hydrocarbons, extracted by multinationals that they only had to convince governments dominated by a white minority which now aims to gleaned the country faced the threat of an indigenous Government that threatens its interests. I.e., the coveted hydrocarbons management. The Bolivian Government precautions to avoid that the same will happen with its reserves of lithium discovered last year, the largest in the world. The mineral, called to replace oil for their properties to conduct heat and electricity, is essential component to manufacture batteries for electric cars, in addition to cell phones, pacemakers, computers, laptops and even satellites. The French company Bollore has already sent three delegations to Bolivia to become the main investor for the extraction of metal. For its part, Mitsubishi, Ford and Nissan also compete for the reserves, although the President Evo Morales says that it has no commitment in writing.
Bolivian President says that the State will retain the monopoly of their exploitation, from the extraction to the production of batteries, with a minimum of 60% of State participation in the shares. Establishes it as well also the new Constitution, so unpopular in rich countries and in areas of Bolivia where the white minority is concentrated. Chantal Liegeois, report scientific of the salar of Uyuni, where large reserves are supports the position of Evo Morales: it no longer exporting raw materials. If the Government decides to go ahead with his project, Bolivia will change, says Liegois, after insisting on the need to control the extraction, production and marketing of lithium, strategic in a world that lives an energy crisis.