However , lithium extraction in the 1980s and 1990s by foreign companies met strong opposition from the local community .
Following those findings , an American - based international corporation has invested $137 million to developing lithium extraction .
Lithium extraction in the 1980s and 1990s by foreign companies met strong opposition from the local community .
Following those findings , an American - based international corporation has invested $137 million to developing lithium extraction .