Kazakh and Chilean Energy Solutions Have a Politics Problem

Kazakh and Chilean Energy Solutions Have a Politics Problem

Two of the most important and low-cost chemical elements in the world’s transition to zero-carbon energy are running into the mining sector’s evergreen problem: Political risk.

Unrest in Kazakhstan and regulatory uncertainty in Chile have already affected the prices of uranium and lithium, which are both extracted using elements dissolved in liquids evaporated from groundwater or pumped into the rock. That’s often better value than the more energetic blast-and-grind methods used in hard-rock mining, and as a result the places where it’s viable have traditionally dominated output.

Kazakhstan, where acid and soda is piped down into uranium-rich rock to bring up the mineral in a technique similar to fracking for oil, produces about 41% of the world’s mined atomic fuel. In the arid salt flats of South America, brines are pumped into shallow ponds where evaporation leaves behind a lithium-rich residue. As recently as 2016, Chile and Argentina together accounted for […]

About the author: StockMan

Please remember:

The information provided here is for general knowledge and educational purposes only.
It is not intended to be a substitute for professional financial advice.
Every individual's financial situation is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another.
Before making any investment or financial decisions, you should always consult with a qualified financial advisor who understands your specific circumstances and goals.

Any information posted on the website has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs and as such, should never be acted upon. Please be aware that any information posted on this site should not be considered to be financial advice and i am not a financial advisor.

Posting Guidelines
Do
  • Do contribute something to the discussion
  • Do post factual information, analysis and your view on company valuations
  • Do disclose if you have an interest in a security
  • Do take our Terms of Use seriously
Do Not
  • Do not make low-content posts, unsubstantiated ramps or untruthful/misleading statements
  • Do not complain about a post unless you have reported it first, and not on the forum.
  • Do not post financial advice
  • Do not advertise or post sponsored content

Get involved!

Get Connected!

Come and join our community. Expand your network and get to know new people!

Comments

No comments yet