A Critical Moment for Latin America’s Mineral Supply Chain

The Columbia Energy Exchange podcast features Jason Bordoff, Juan Carlos Jobet, Tom Moerenhout, and Diego Rivera Rivota discussing critical minerals, particularly copper and lithium, with a focus on Latin America. The conversation covers the potential impacts of proposed copper tariffs by the U.S., the challenges facing lithium production in the region, and the trend toward resource nationalism. They explore how Latin American countries are positioning themselves amidst U.S.-China competition, the importance of state-owned companies, and the environmental and economic concerns of indigenous and local communities. The discussion also touches on the U.S. government's investment in a homegrown mineral supply chain and the implications of recent tax bills for critical mineral development.