Satellite image of a lithium mine in Uyuni, Bolivia. Bolivia's famous salt flats, which span over 10,000 square kilometres, contain a high concentration of lithium in the brine underneath. The process of extracting lithium involves pumping the brine into dozens of evaporation ponds, some of which are over 1 kilometre in length. As demand for lithium continues to increase due to its importance in electric batteries and consumer electronics, prices have skyrocketed to record highs. Bolivia holds the largest reserve of lithium in the world, estimated at 21 million tonnes. Image obtained by the Pleiades Neo satellite on 7 April 2022.