Factbox-Lithium key element for electric vehicle ramp up

(Reuters) – Chile, the world’s second largest lithium producer, said it plans to transfer control of the production of the mineral essential for electric vehicle (EV) batteries to a new state-owned company. Here are key facts about lithium and EVs: WHAT IS LITHIUM? The silvery-white element is the lightest metal and highly reactive, giving it…

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Argentina’s economy teeters on the edge of deeper crisis as market anxiety grows- Reuters Poll

By Gabriel Burin BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) – Argentina’s economy will teeter on the edge of a deeper crisis in the run up to October’s presidential vote as growing market anxiety adds to a harmful mix of drought-induced recession and skyrocketing inflation, a Reuters poll showed. A flight to the safe-haven U.S. dollar sped up this…

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Mexico’s lawmakers approve overhaul of mining industry

(Reuters) – The Mexican parliament’s lower house voted to press ahead with the proposed overhaul of the country’s mining laws which include shortening concessions, tightening water permits and giving back some profits, moves criticized by industry leaders. Mexico is the world’s top silver producer and one of the largest producers of copper and gold. Since…

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Factbox-Chile lithium move latest in global resource nationalism trend

By Matthew Chye (Reuters) – Chile’s President Gabriel Boric announced on Thursday he would nationalise the country’s vast lithium industry to boost the economy and protect the environment. The shock announcement is the latest in a trend as countries look to assert greater control over key resources amid intensifying competition for materials that are crucial…

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China EV maker BYD to build $290 million battery component plant in Chile

HONG KONG (Reuters) – China’s BYD Co Ltd, the world’s largest electric vehicle (EV) maker, plans to build a $290 million lithium cathode factory in Chile’s northern Antofagasta region, said Chilean economic development agency CORFO. The South American country’s government has named BYD Chile a qualified lithium producer, CORFO said, giving it access to preferential…

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In meeting with big economies, Biden announces more funds to fight climate change

By Jeff Mason WASHINGTON (Reuters) -President Joe Biden announced plans to increase U.S. funding to help developing countries fight climate change and curb deforestation in Brazil’s Amazon rainforest during a meeting on Thursday with leaders from the world’s largest economies. During a virtual meeting of the Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate, Biden urged…

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Biden thanks Colombia for hosting Venezuelan refugees, eyes deeper partnership

By Jeff Mason and Julia Symmes Cobb WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. President Joe Biden praised Colombian President Gustavo Petro on Thursday for his country’s treatment of refugees from Venezuela and for his commitment to democracy and human rights. During a meeting at the White House, Biden said the United States and Colombia could deepen their…

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Brazil plans ‘digital tax’ on shipments from e-commerce giants -minister

SAO PAULO/BRASILIA (Reuters) -Brazil’s finance minister said on Thursday the country would implement a “digital tax” on shipments from e-commerce giants, after backtracking earlier this week from a decision to tax individual-to-individual shipments of up to $50. “We will follow the example of developed nations, a digital tax,” Finance Minister Fernando Haddad told reporters. “Consumers…

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Russia´s Lavrov in Havana on Latam drive to shore up support

By Dave Sherwood HAVANA (Reuters) – Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met on Thursday with Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel and Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez in Havana, the latest in a series of visits to shore up support among Russia’s closest allies in Latin America. Russia, hit by Western sanctions over the conflict in Ukraine, is…

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