AGP Executive Report

Strategic Minerals Pact: Chile, Argentina, Bolivia and Peru signed a joint declaration to deepen cooperation on strategic minerals, aiming to attract technical and financial backing and launch joint public-private calls for research and investment to position the region as a reliable supplier for the energy transition. Lithium Investment: IDB Invest will finance up to $700m for Posco’s Sal de Oro lithium expansion in Argentina, targeting about 48,000 tons of lithium a year and boosting processing capacity for battery materials. Energy Infrastructure (Gas): TBG requested Brazil’s regulator ANP approval for a $286m expansion on the Bolivia–Brazil Gas Pipeline to remove a southern bottleneck and raise LNG distribution capacity into Santa Catarina. Food & Competition Watch: BRICS launched an inquiry into potential monopolies in global grain trade, focusing on major grain traders as the bloc seeks fairer market power in a sector tied to food security. Climate Shock (Bolivia): Bolivia’s civil defense reported 121,731 families affected by snowstorms across six departments, with major crop damage and camelid losses, as emergency aid and municipal declarations ramp up. Economy Update: President Rodrigo Paz named economist Christian Morales as new economy minister to continue talks with the IMF and multilateral lenders for a $7–$10bn rescue package.

Climate Shock in Bolivia: Bolivia’s civil defense says snowstorms have now hit 121,731 families across six departments, damaging 93,934 hectares of crops and killing 897 head of camelid livestock, with municipalities moving to declare emergencies to speed up humanitarian aid. Fuel-Price Pressure on Agribusiness: Rice producers in Santa Cruz and Beni blocked the Santa Cruz–Beni highway in protest of a diesel price jump tied to Supreme Decree 5676, warning higher costs could push up the basic food basket. Economic Cabinet Update: President Rodrigo Paz named economist Christian Morales as Bolivia’s new economy minister after Congress ousted Jose Gabriel Espinoza, with Morales tasked to prioritize talks for a $7–$10 billion rescue package with the IMF and regional lenders. Trade Deal for Industry: El Salvador entered a Partial Scope Agreement with Bolivia, granting preferential entry for 250+ products, including food, textiles, paper, and veterinary pharmaceuticals, with tariff cuts aimed at boosting bilateral logistics and competitiveness. Energy Infrastructure (Regional Link): TBG requested Brazil’s ANP approval for a $286 million expansion to remove a bottleneck on the Bolivia–Brazil Gas Pipeline, targeting higher LNG distribution capacity by 2029. Cultural Industry Boost: Potosí’s Casa Nacional de Moneda will start a major restoration next month, focusing first on critical roof leaks and stonework.

Diesel Price Protests: Bolivia’s government deployed police and military in Yapacaní, Santa Cruz, to prevent road blockades after a decree raised diesel to 18 bolivianos per liter for large consumers; a deputy interior minister later said the measure should be annulled, while business groups, transporters, cooperative miners and agricultural producers plan mobilizations once the state of exception ends. Snowstorm Humanitarian Impact: Bolivia’s civil defense reports 121,731 families affected by snowstorms across six departments, with 93,934 hectares of crops damaged, 1,289 hectares lost, and 897 camelid deaths, prompting municipalities to formalize emergencies for aid delivery. Economy Shake-Up: President Rodrigo Paz named economist Christian Morales as new economy minister after Congress ousted Jose Gabriel Espinoza amid bailout talks, with Morales tasked to prioritize negotiations for $7–$10 billion with the IMF and multilateral lenders. Trade Deal for Industry: El Salvador entered a Partial Scope Agreement with Bolivia, granting preferential entry for 250+ products, including food, textiles, veterinary pharmaceuticals and paper, with tariff cuts up to 0% and streamlined trade rules to reduce non-tariff barriers. Potosí Heritage Restoration: Bolivia’s Casa Nacional de Moneda in Potosí will start a major restoration next month, targeting leaking roofs and stonework after years of maintenance gaps.

Diesel Price Protest Escalates: Bolivia’s government deployed police and military in Yapacaní, Santa Cruz, to prevent road blockades after a decree raised diesel for large consumers to 18 bolivianos per liter; officials say the decree should be repealed, but business groups and producers are still coordinating mobilizations across Santa Cruz, Cochabamba, La Paz, Oruro and El Alto. Snowstorm Disaster Update: Bolivia’s civil defense reports 121,731 families affected by snowstorms in six departments, with major crop damage (93,934 hectares) and losses in camelid herds (897 head). Economy Minister Change: President Rodrigo Paz appointed economist Christian Morales as economy and public finance minister after Congress censured and removed Jose Gabriel Espinoza, with Morales tasked to push multilateral talks for $7–$10 billion and advance an investment bill. Trade Deal Boost: El Salvador and Bolivia’s Partial Scope Agreement (effective July 30, 2026) grants preferential entry for 250+ Salvadoran products, cutting tariffs for sectors including food, textiles and paper while easing logistics rules. Cultural-Industrial Heritage: Potosí’s Casa Nacional de Moneda will start a major restoration next month, targeting leaking roofs and stonework to protect a key colonial-era industrial landmark.

Climate Emergency: Bolivia’s civil defense reports 121,731 families affected by severe snowfall across Oruro, La Paz, Cochabamba, Chuquisaca, Tarija and Potosí, with 96,462 “affected” and 25,269 “victims,” plus major farm damage (93,934 hectares) and losses of 897 camelid head. Agri-Industry & Transport: Rice producers in Santa Cruz and Beni launched an indefinite blockade of the Santa Cruz–Beni highway, blaming Supreme Decree 5676 and a diesel hike for large consumers (from 9.80 to 18 Bs/liter), warning it will raise costs and the basic food basket. Energy Policy & Social Tension: The government deployed police and military in Yapacaní to prevent road blockades tied to the diesel decree; the deputy interior minister said the measure should be repealed, while talks with agricultural leaders continued. Indigenous Water Systems: A new push to revive Indigenous “paúros” in Bolivia’s Amazon highlights community-led, climate-resilient water management as drought pressures intensify. Mining & Investment: Reuters reports President Rodrigo Paz named Christian Morales as economy and public finance minister after lawmakers censured and removed the prior minister, aiming to stabilize the economy, secure foreign financing, and advance an investment bill.

Bolivia’s Economy Reset: President Rodrigo Paz named Christian Morales as economy and public finance minister after Congress censured and removed Jose Gabriel Espinoza, aiming to stabilize a crisis-hit economy, secure foreign financing, and push an investment bill for clearer rules and legal certainty. Strategic Resources Race: A new analysis argues lithium is becoming the “oil of the new economy,” shaping future conflicts and technological leadership as countries compete for extraction and know-how. Mining & Investment Pipeline: American Gold & Copper Inc. highlighted its Bolivia copper-gold-silver project as “shovel-ready,” pointing to a planned 40-hole drill program to expand resources. Weather Shock to Industry: Bolivia’s Civil Defense reported snowfall, rain and flooding affecting 114,000+ families, damaging 28,799 hectares of crops and impacting 209,143 livestock across six departments, with Potosí hit hardest. Regional Security Forum: SOUTHAM 2026 in Tucson brought South American air chiefs together to coordinate responses to transnational crime and cyber threats. Rights of Nature: A “Declaration of the Rights of Nature” push reframes environmental protection as legal rights for ecosystems to exist, flourish, regenerate and evolve.

Climate & Agriculture Risk: A study warns Pax Silica’s planned AI data centers in O’Donnell-Capas could intensify local warming, with projected temperature anomalies of 4.5–6°C and field conditions reaching 45–47°C, potentially making rice cultivation nonviable in a core zone. Disaster Response: Bolivia’s Civil Defense reports since Aug. 11, snowfall, rain and flooding have hit 114,000+ families across six departments, damaging 28,799 hectares of crops and affecting 209,143 head of livestock. Energy & Macroeconomy (Regional): Venezuela’s acting president says oil output topped 1.23M bpd (highest since 2019) and the exchange-rate gap fell to 12.3%, alongside new oil-and-gas agreements. Mining & Investment (Bolivia-linked): American Gold & Copper Inc. highlights a Bolivia copper-gold-silver project in Santa Cruz and plans a 40-hole drill program to expand resources. Industrial Sustainability: Soboce is converting non-recyclable waste into alternative fuel at its Viacha cement plant, aiming to cut disposal volumes and gradually substitute conventional fuels. Cybersecurity: Researchers describe a Chinese-speaking threat group (UAT-10147) targeting web servers, with targets including Bolivia.

Bolivia’s Economy Shake-Up: President Rodrigo Paz dismissed Economy Minister José Gabriel Espinoza after Congress censured him for refusing to appear before lawmakers, appointing Oscar Mario Justiniano Pinto as interim Economy chief while the government seeks room to push reforms and secure an IMF financing program. Energy & Industry Pressure: Bolivia’s fuel crunch is worsening daily life, with reports of gas station queues, diesel delays for freight trucks, and even propane shortages—raising questions about whether new drilling and YPFB/PETROBRAS activity can quickly stabilize supply. Sustainable Cement Push: Soboce is converting non-recyclable waste into alternative fuel at its Viacha cement plant, aiming to gradually replace conventional fuels and reduce waste sent for final disposal, with the government calling for better waste collection and separation systems. Cyber Threats to Regional Firms: A Chinese-speaking cybercrime group, UAT-10147, is targeting web servers globally, with many victims reported in Brazil and Bolivia, highlighting ongoing risks for education, media, tech, and gaming sectors. Trade & Finance Signals: Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino says USDT use is rising in Bolivia amid monetary instability, as people increasingly hold “digital dollars” for trade and savings.

Bolivia Economy Shake-Up: President Rodrigo Paz dismissed Economy Minister José Gabriel Espinoza after Congress censured him for not attending a parliamentary hearing, appointing Óscar Mario Justiniano as interim Economy and Public Finance minister while a constitutional challenge is still in motion. Industrial Energy & Waste: Soboce is converting non-recyclable waste into alternative fuel at its Viacha cement plant, aiming to gradually cut conventional fuel use and reduce final waste disposal, with the government calling for better waste collection and separation systems. Cybersecurity for Industry: Researchers flagged the Chinese-speaking UAT-10147 group targeting web servers worldwide, with targets including Bolivia, raising risks for education, media, tech, and gaming sectors that rely on stable online operations. Fuel Shortage Pressure: Bolivia’s ongoing fuel crisis is driving long queues for gasoline and diesel and even propane shortages, fueling concerns about inflation, speculation, and whether new drilling can ease daily disruptions. Women’s Manufacturing & Culture: In Cochabamba, Kuska turns discarded ceramics into mosaics and murals, creating income through a women’s collective that repurposes urban construction waste into public art.

Bolivia Economy Shake-Up: President Rodrigo Paz dismissed Economy Minister José Gabriel Espinoza after Congress censured him for not attending hearings on the economic crisis, appointing Óscar Mario Justiniano as interim economy minister while a constitutional challenge is still moving through the courts. Fuel & Energy Pressure: A fuel shortage is worsening daily life across Bolivia, with long queues at gas stations and delays for diesel and even propane, raising questions about whether new drilling and YPFB/PETROBRAS operations can stabilize supply. Crypto in Trade & Savings: Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino says USDT use is rising in Venezuela, Argentina, Bolivia and Turkey as people seek “digital dollars” amid currency instability and limited access to cash dollars. Mining & Security Fallout: Bolivia-linked political consultant Fernando Cerimedo faces new investigations for illicit enrichment alongside an earlier case tied to an alleged attempted femicide, as raids reportedly collected cash and digital materials. Lithium vs. Livelihoods: Coverage on Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni highlights the push to expand lithium output versus strong environmental and Indigenous concerns about groundwater and tourism impacts.

Bolivia Economy Shake-Up: President Rodrigo Paz dismissed Economy Minister José Gabriel Espinoza after Congress censured him for not attending a parliamentary hearing on the economic crisis, appointing Óscar Mario Justiniano as interim Economy Minister pending a permanent replacement. Fuel & Energy Pressure: A new report says Bolivia’s fuel shortages are worsening daily life, with long queues at gas stations, delays for diesel freight, and even propane scarcity, raising questions about whether new drilling and YPFB operations can stabilize supply. Mining & Metals Watch: Silver Elephant Mining reported it produced and sold three batches of silver-lead concentrate from its Apuradita project in 2026, generating about US$1.4 million in cash proceeds. Security & Politics Spillover: Prosecutors opened another investigation into far-right Argentine consultant Fernando Cerimedo in Bolivia, tied to illicit enrichment and linked to an attempted femicide case, with raids reportedly yielding cash and documents. Regional Trade Context: India’s commerce team plans a Latin America outreach (Aug. 24–28 for Rajesh Agrawal) aimed at expanding bilateral trade and talks around MERCOSUR-related agreements.

Bolivia Economy Shake-Up: President Rodrigo Paz dismissed Economy Minister José Gabriel Espinoza after Congress censured him for not attending a parliamentary hearing, appointing Óscar Mario Justiniano as interim Economy and Public Finance minister while a constitutional challenge is still moving through the courts. Energy & Industry Pressure: Fuel shortages are worsening across Bolivia, with long queues at gas stations and freight truck delays of 1–3 days, plus reports of propane scarcity and adulterated gasoline damaging vehicles—raising fresh questions about drilling and YPFB’s capacity. Mining & Metals Output: Silver Elephant Mining reported three 2026 batches of silver-lead concentrate sold from its Apuradita project in Bolivia, generating about US$1.4 million in cash proceeds and showing rising concentrate grades across batches. Cyber & Business Risk: A cybercrime campaign (UAT-10147) targeting Windows and Linux web servers using BadIIS malware was observed in multiple countries including Bolivia, aiming at data theft and search result manipulation. Lithium vs Livelihoods: Coverage from Uyuni highlights the push to expand lithium production under Paz, while Indigenous and environmental groups warn extraction could threaten groundwater, aquifers, and tourism-based livelihoods. Social Turmoil & Governance: The week also kept attention on far-right political consultant Fernando Cerimedo’s detention in Bolivia amid allegations tied to an attempted femicide case, with investigations and raids expanding.

Fuel & Energy Security: Bolivia’s energy crisis is deepening as fuel shortages push drivers and freight trucks into 1–3 day queues, while propane scarcity is also hitting households; the report links the disruption to declining gas reserves and YPFB distribution problems, including adulterated gasoline damaging vehicles. Economic Governance: President Rodrigo Paz dismissed Economy Minister José Gabriel Espinoza after Congress censured him for not attending hearings, appointing Óscar Mario Justiniano as interim Economy Minister while the government seeks room to pass reforms and secure an IMF financing program. Mining & Industry Finance: Silver Elephant Mining says it has produced and sold three 2026 batches of silver-lead concentrate from Bolivia’s Apuradita project, generating about US$1.4 million in cash proceeds. Cyber & Digital Crime: Cisco Talos reports a web-server malware campaign (UAT-10147) targeting organizations across multiple countries including Bolivia, using known software flaws to steal data and manipulate search results. Extractives vs. Livelihoods: Coverage highlights how Bolivia’s lithium push around Salar de Uyuni faces opposition from environmental and Indigenous groups worried about groundwater and aquifer impacts.

Economy Shake-Up: Bolivia’s President Rodrigo Paz dismissed Economy Minister José Gabriel Espinoza after Congress censured him for missing a hearing on the cost-of-living crisis, appointing Óscar Mario Justiniano as interim economy minister via decree. Mining & Metals: Silver Elephant Mining reported it has produced and sold three batches of silver-lead concentrate from the Apuradita project in 2026, generating about US$1.4 million in cash proceeds. Lithium Debate: A new report revisits the Uyuni salt flat lithium push, highlighting the gap between Bolivia’s large deposits and its tiny current output, alongside Indigenous and environmental fears over water and tourism impacts. Cyber & Industry Risk: Cisco Talos flagged a cybercrime campaign (UAT-10147) targeting web servers in multiple countries, including Bolivia, using BadIIS malware and stolen data tactics. Security & Politics: Bolivian prosecutors expanded investigations tied to far-right consultant Fernando Cerimedo after his detention at Viru Viru airport, linked to an attempted femicide case. Climate Disruption: Heavy snow stranded thousands of families across Bolivia’s highlands, threatening livestock, markets, and tourism and exposing how weather volatility hits the Andes unevenly.

Bolivia Economy Shake-Up: President Rodrigo Paz removed Economy Minister José Gabriel Espinoza after his Legislative Assembly censure, naming Óscar Mario Justiniano as interim Economy and Public Finance while a constitutional challenge is still pending. Mining & Industry Watch: A new Bolivia-linked probe into far-right Argentine consultant Fernando Cerimedo expands after his detention in Santa Cruz, with prosecutors citing raids, seized funds, and a “bot farm” claim tied to political influence networks. Energy & Supply Chain: Venezuela moves to restart offshore gas development with major multinationals including Shell and BP, aiming to revive production and potentially export gas to Europe. Agriculture & Climate Impact: Heavy snow in Bolivia stranded thousands of families, disrupted roads and livestock, and raised urgent needs for fodder, veterinary supplies, and heavy machinery. Regional Trade & Logistics: Argentina’s security minister says South America produces about 3,800–4,000 metric tons of cocaine annually, with Bolivia and Peru flagged for production increases and Argentina for transit. Infrastructure Development: Bolivia’s lithium debate continues as Uyuni’s extraction prospects face environmental and Indigenous opposition over groundwater and tourism risks.

Lithium Debate in Uyuni: A new report revisits how Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni—home to major lithium deposits but producing under 1% of global supply—faces intense pushback from environmental groups and Indigenous communities worried about groundwater and tourism impacts. Mining & Metals Watch: Separate mining-market updates highlight exploration momentum and dealmaking in the region, including research coverage and project advancement tied to copper-gold systems and nickel-copper assets. Bolivian Political Shock: Fernando Cerimedo’s detention at Viru Viru airport over an alleged attempted femicide is widening into a far-right political scandal, with prosecutors seeking pretrial detention and claims of corruption and illicit smuggling swirling around the case. Climate Hit to Industry: Heavy snow across Bolivia is stranding communities, threatening livestock and disrupting access to markets, veterinary supplies and machinery—an immediate drag on rural production and logistics. Regional Trade & Logistics: Cocaine production figures and trafficking logistics are again in focus across South America, underscoring how ports and shipping routes shape enforcement priorities.