Geologists have found the world’s biggest lithium reservoir with a whopping $1.5 trillion worth of the precious metal hiding in a supervolcano.
The incredible discovery was made in a volcano on the border of Nevada and Oregon where clay containing millions of tons of the precious metal were uncovered.
And according to a team of scientists, this could be one of the largest lithium deposits that has ever been found in the US
It was first unearthed back in 2023 and since then, the volcanic find has been valued at a staggering $1.5 trillion.
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If this has got you wondering why the material is worth so much, we’re here to explain.
So, why are lithium deposits so high in value?
First off, lithium is an essential part of the batteries used for electric vehicles, which makes it one of the most sought-after materials in the world.
Experts have said that the US is able to prove that extraction methods are efficient, then this could turn the country into a leading global supplier of the valuable metal.
What is the environmental impact of lithium mining?
With the surrounding environment already under immense strain, environmental groups fear the potential ecological impacts of lithium mining.
As the proposed mining plans for lithium extraction include building roads and drilling wells to assess the deposit, the Sierra Club warn the process could irreparably damage local wildlife and disrupt natural landscapes.
Meanwhile, the surrounding area of the McDermitt Calder is a rich cultural heritage area for several Indigenous tribes.
Tribal leaders are calling for the US government to halt mining plans to protect sacred lands and ceremonial sites that have been integral to tribes’ cultural identity for generations.
What are the challenges of extracting lithium?
Unlike lithium-rich salt brine deposits in South America, the McDermitt Caldera’s lithium is trapped in claystone.
This means intricate extraction techniques like acid leaching are required to safely and adequately extract the lithium.
“This feature is 16 million years old, and we're making decisions in a matter of years,” said Sammy Castonguay, a geologist at Treasure Valley Community College, adding that careful and timely planning is essential.
But that doesn’t seem to be a hindrance as Oregon mining proposals continue to progress and investors remain optimistic about the ongoing demand for lithium.
However, the opposition from local communities is strong as they plead not to be left with lasting environmental impacts once the hype fades.