They are looking for ways to process their lithium domestically and partner with companies from nations other than the United States—especially China, the international leader in lithium operations. It is no surprise, then, that after long negotiations with six international companies, Bolivia signed a contract in January to partner with Chinese consortium CATL, the largest lithium ion battery producer in the world, to build direct lithium extraction processing plants and accompanying infrastructure in Bolivia. And finally, if the U.S. companies do manage to win contracts on lithium triangle soil, they should ensure that those countries—and especially the local communities that live near lithium flats—benefit financially from lithium production.