Former Bolivian Lithium Executive Found Dead After Citing 'Rigged Justice System'

Juan Carlos Montenegro Bravo, the former executive manager of Bolivia's state-owned lithium company Yacimientos de Litio Bolivianos (YLB), was found dead on April 26, 2024. The 52-year-old left behind a letter in which he mentioned being "humiliated by a rigged justice system" as the reason for his decision to take his own life.

Montenegro was among those charged in the evaporation ponds case, which was part of the Bolivian government's efforts to industrialize lithium extraction in the Uyuni salt flats. In his letter, he claimed that the case against him was intended to conceal the "resounding failure" of the government's strategy to focus on direct lithium extraction (EDL) instead of the traditional evaporation pond method.

The former lithium executive had been a vocal critic of the government's approach, arguing that the shift to EDL was misguided and would ultimately prove unsuccessful. His death has reignited the debate over Bolivia's lithium industrialization plans and raised questions about the integrity of the country's justice system.

Why this matters: Montenegro's death highlights the high stakes and political tensions surrounding Bolivia's efforts to become a major player in the global lithium market. As demand for the metal soars due to its use in electric vehicle batteries, the success or failure of the country's lithium industrialization strategy could have significant economic and geopolitical implications.

Former Bolivian President Evo Morales, who was ousted in 2019, blamed the current government of President Luis Arce Catacora and Vice President David Choquehuanca for Montenegro's death. In a statement, Morales said, "The failure of lithium industrialization led to the illegal and abusive detention of honest professionals." He accused the government of using the justice system to persecute those who opposed their policies.

The Arce administration has not yet commented on Montenegro's death or the allegations made by Morales. The government has previously defended its lithium strategy, arguing that EDL is a more efficient and environmentally friendly method of extraction compared to evaporation ponds.

Montenegro's tragic death has cast a shadow over Bolivia's lithium industry and raised serious questions about the government's handling of the evaporation ponds case. As the investigation into his death continues, the country remains deeply divided over the future of its lithium resources and the best path forward for industrialization.

Key Takeaways

• Former YLB exec Montenegro found dead, claimed "rigged justice system"
• Montenegro charged in evaporation ponds case, criticized govt's lithium strategy
• Death reignites debate over Bolivia's lithium industrialization plans
• Morales blames current govt for Montenegro's death, alleges persecution
• Govt defends lithium strategy, investigation into Montenegro's death ongoing