Why does Afghanistan need lithium?

Afghanistan sits atop vast lithium reserves and faces a pivotal decision: leverage this mineral wealth to assert national sovereignty and drive local development or risk exploitation by foreign powers eager to dominate the global supply chain for electric vehicles (EV).

Are Chinese companies looking for a lithium business in Afghanistan?

And this are a huge tasks. As of today, there are five Chinese companies – like Ganfeng Lithium corporation – looking into the Lithium business in Afghanistan. Many of the country’s Lithium deposits are in remote locations with limited infrastructure. Decades of war and economic hardship have deteriorated the situation.

Will Afghanistan be the 'Saudi Arabia of lithium'?

According to the New York Times, a memo from the Pentagon predicted that Afghanistan will be the "Saudi Arabia of Lithium," a way to assert that Afghanistan is able to exceed Bolivia as the first world producer of lithium. The economic impact of this mining discovery is simply enormous: the total reserves represent about 1,000 billion.

Does Afghanistan need a lithium monopoly?

Afghanistan must limit dependence on investments driven mainly by external strategic interests. Maintaining control over its lithium reserves is equally critical, necessitating a robust national framework for extraction and processing.

Is lithium a treasure trove in Afghanistan?

Furthermore, recycling will become the most important source of Lithium within the next ten years. As a result, Afghanistan is no treasure trove, companies can more easily acquire Lithium (and other critical minerals) from alternative sources.

Is a lithium-ion battery race taking place in Afghanistan?

While Goldman Sachs predicts a tripling of the lithium market by 2025, a race to secure supplies is taking place in Afghanistan. The lithium-ion battery story begins with chemistry and ends with innovation.