☀ Domingo Brief — Argentina’s lithium, Venezuela’s diplomatic upgrade, and Mexico’s aliens

Each Sunday, take two minutes to catch key stories and opportunities shaping Latin America.

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Welcome back to the Domingo Brief! This week, we’re checking out Argentina’s lithium potential, a new Central American ferry, alien testimony in Mexico, and more!

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Trivia of the Week

An impressive 59% of you were correct in answering Paraguay as the country to have lost over half its population in a war against its neighbors. The Paraguayan War, also known as the War of the Triple Alliance, saw Paraguay fight a coalition of its modern-day Mercosur partners: Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay. The protracted interstate conflict, the bloodiest in Latin America, lasted from 1864-1870, and is estimated to have cost Paraguay up to three-quarters of its prewar population (and up to 90% of its prewar male population).

Each week, tune back in for the answer to the previous week’s trivia question. No cheating!

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🇦🇷 Argentina is on track to be one of the world’s top 3 lithium producers by 2027, analysts say. The country, currently in fourth place behind Australia, China, and neighboring Chile, will see consolidation of its critical minerals sector as two of its three major firms complete a merger to become the world’s third-largest lithium firm by production capacity.

Latinometrics: What needs to happen for Argentina to reach its full potential in the “white gold” of lithium? Certain analysts have pointed to a need for increased investment in the sector by foreign actors, something incentivized by liberalizing forces in the coming government.

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🇨🇷🇸🇻 Costa Rica and El Salvador have just gotten closer, with a new commercial ferry line opening up between the two Central American countries. Bypassing neighboring Honduras and Nicaragua, the ferry — which will likely be able to move between 3-5% of the current transport market — is designed to avoid the red tape, border closures, and infrastructure problems currently associated within the turbulent region.