Bolivia has announced the opening of its first lithium plant, as the nation seeks to tap its vast salt flats for the element used in batteries. It's been said that Bolivia can become “the Saudi Arabia of lithium.” Yet Bolivia has a long way to go, experts say. “As a symbolic act it’s really important” to open the first lithium plant in Llipi, said Benjamin H. Kohl, an associate professor at Temple. “But I don’t think it’s going to change everyday life for most Bolivians.”