Innovations based on scientific projects, up-to-date issues of marine transportation development, including lithium compounds delivery, assimilation of global by-product lithium mining technologies and methods, and global collaborations – these were the questions discussed by the participants of the Russia – Latin America Dialogue LITHIUM MARKET: ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGICAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR COLLABORATION EXTENSION, the event that took place as part of the St. Petersburg International Gas Forum in ExpoForum Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Having opened the event, Evgeny Grigoryev, Member of the St. Petersburg Government and Chairman of External Affairs Committee of St. Petersburg invited the attention of the participants to the high potential for development of good relations between the city and its partners from Latin America.
Head of G.O.R.K.I. Centre Karin Kneissl, who is also the Expert Analyst in Energy, a teacher, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Republic of Austria (2017 through 2019) explained that lithium has a significant role in sustainable development and highlighted its importance in import substitution of rechargeable batteries and for technological independence, too. Mrs. Kneissl also spoke about financial and ecological issues related to green energy, and first of all about high costs associated with the infrastructure maintenance, technologies, and stock materials. At the moment, rechargeable batteries are the only solution available for storage of electric energy produced by means of solar and wind electric power stations.
Besides, Mrs. Kneissl offered a piece of advice to her young colleagues – “You should strive for excellence. Don’t be afraid to delve deeper. I can see certain changes in the Russian academic environment, and these are changes for the better. Work in, endeavor at perfection, keep exploring your area of focus. As an employer and as a teacher, I’ve noticed that young people don’t have deep knowledge today – they are more about smattering. Number Two – don’t seek employment, don’t pursue a career. Try to find your calling by going with your feelings,” the Ex Foreign Affairs Minister of Austria suggested.
Vitaly Stepanishchev, the CEO of Russia – Latin America Business Centre showcased strategic initiatives undertaken by the Centre in collaboration with the Russian and Latin American companies, including from Bolivia. Alongside with Argentina and Chile, Bolivia possesses the largest lithium deposits in the world. According to the analysts, these countries possess 23, 14, and 24 percent of world stock correspondingly. In his report, Mr. Stepanishchev concentrated on the tasks these states have to solve and their possible solutions.
Oleg Prekrasnov, the Adviser to the Chief Executive Officer of the Russia – Latin America Business Center and Chairman of the Board of Directors at Lenecotrade moderated the meeting. Throughout the discussion, he supported and elaborated the issue of possible Russia – Latin America collaboration extension. In particular, Mr. Prekrasnov mentioned that in summer 2024 Luis Arce, Ex President of Bolivia, was awarded the honorary decree as a Doctor of Science by the St. Petersburg State University.
Grigory Boyarko, D. Sc. of Economics and Professor of the Tomsk Polytechnic University, gave a talk about lithium mining prospects.
Artem Fomkin, the Head of the Innovative Development Department at Zarubezhneft, D. Sc. in Engineering, and Acting Member of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences revealed the synergy between the oil-gas and traditional technologies used for lithium mining.
Karina Argvliani, a representative of BRICS & SCO Innovative Diplomacy Centre outlined that lithium is essential in terms of the global policy. She explained that the global community is at risk for neocolonial dependence, which contradicts fundamental guidelines followed by BRICS, namely multipolarity and equality.
Moreover, supported both offline and online attendance – besides the participants who came to ExpoForum in person, there were online reports made by the parties from abroad.
Guillermo Daniel Ortega Reyes, Deputy Chairman of the Central American Parliament (President of the Parliament in 2021 through 2022) addressed the Forum participants.
Pavel Dorokhin, Victor Sheremetker, and Vitaly Kondratenko, Trade Representatives of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Peru, Brazil and Argentina gave a detailed report on the situation in those countries and assured the listeners that Latin America can’t wait for Russian businesses to arrive. The special focus was on collaborations between Russian and Latin American Businesses, as well as cooperation extension prospects.
Ekaterina Bertran, Director of Operation at Europartner in Rio de Janeiro explained how Russian companies are getting to the Brazilian market.
The closing remarks at the conference included an expectation that this event could become the point of departure for further extension of Russia – Latin America relations.