Support for regulatory and institutional reform for the development of lithium and evaporitic resources in Bolivia

Description

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is seeking to hire a consulting firm to provide specialized technical assistance in the modernization of the regulatory framework and institutional strengthening of the lithium sector in Bolivia. The project aims to create enabling conditions for responsible investment and sustainable development of the country's evaporitic resources.

1. Institutional architecture and regulatory framework
The consultancy will focus on the design of modern and efficient sectoral governance:

- Legal reforms: Analysis and adjustment of the Lithium Law and its complementary regulations to eliminate legal loopholes and operational bottlenecks.

- New governance: Technical proposal for the creation of an Autonomous Regulatory Entity (ERA) and an inter-institutional coordination mechanism.

- National Strategy: Preparation of key inputs for a National Lithium Strategy aimed at responsible investment.

2. Management of social, environmental and territorial risks
The project integrates environmental and social safeguards aligned with international best practices:

- Baseline: Strategy for the collection of social, environmental and water information, together with community linkage guides.

- Territorial planning: Guidelines for exploration and development by areas, including minimum contents for public-private partnership contracts.

- Mitigation: Identification of instruments for offsetting territorial impacts and financing for local development.

3. Strengthening Bolivian Lithium Deposits (YLB)
An in-depth intervention will be carried out in the state corporation to adapt it to the new challenges of the market:

- Comprehensive diagnosis: Evaluation of YLB's organizational structure, management processes and corporate governance.

- Closing gaps: Identification of critical needs in professional profiles, information systems, infrastructure, and technical and financial supervision capabilities.

- Roadmap: Definition of legal and administrative milestones for the implementation of the prioritized institutional reforms.

Note: Interested companies should review the international data management and logistics analysis experience requirements on the BEO Bidder Portal.