
Editor's Note: In the coming year, RANE will analyze the geopolitics of natural resources and raw materials. This series will be published periodically throughout the remainder of 2026; you can find all parts here . The "lithium triangle" countries of Argentina, Bolivia and Chile are poised to benefit from expected rising lithium demand in the coming years, but they are unlikely to see a substantial surge in wealth without a more monumental market change. The global shift toward renewable energy and technological advancements has significantly increased demand for specific metals and minerals. Notably, lithium demand has surged since the 1990s due to its vital role in lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, energy storage systems and, more recently, backup power for data centers.