http://rodinialithium.com/projects/diabillos/
“.....China is making a play for Latin America a well, and is now the fastest growing investor in the region, according to experts. Although their activity is mostly economic, they are also increasing military activity through educational exchanges.
The Chinese Navy conducted a goodwill visit in Brazil, Chile and Argentina last year and conducted its first-ever naval exercise with the Argentine Navy.......”
http://thehill.com/blogs/defcon-hill/policy-strategy/201305-putins-quiet-play-for-latin-america
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“....Vaughan Winterbottom of Australia’s Lowy Institute writes that:
Some have questioned China’s motivations for expanding its presence on the southern continent. ‘The country is rapidly building research stations — a method of assertion on a continent where sovereignty is disputed,’ wrote Nicola Davison on ChinaDialogue in November. In Stars and Stripes, Seth Robson commented last year that ‘China is boosting its presence in Antarctica with an eye on the icy continent’s vast untapped resources.’
For now, mining is prohibited under the Antarctic Treaty, but that will be up for review in 2048 and a number of countries may try to jockey for position before then.
The treaty also forbids new territorial claims by countries on the continent but passes no judgment on previous ones, which has occasionally led to some controversy. Britain and Argentina have overlapping claims and—in the midst of the dispute between the two countries over the Falkland Islands—Argentina objected last year to London’s decision to name a large swathe of Antarctic territory after Queen Elizabeth II.......”
No. Lithium brines are far greater in Canada. But the recovery of Lithium from brines is made under a new technology that is far faster and efficient than gravity based sediment accumulation.
Your link demonstrates what the Chinese are doing around the globe. They are buying up as many mining rights and leases as they can find in order to corner targeted markets. Their goal is to control strategic mineral sources.
Elon Musk is aware of the tech I am hinting at. He wants it and needs it.