China dominates the world’s lithium supply. The U.S. just found 328 years’ worth in its own backyard
The U.S. Geological Survey has identified an estimated 2.3 million metric tons of lithium oxide in the Appalachian region, potentially enough to replace 328 years of current import levels and bolster domestic supply amid rising global demand. While China currently dominates the production of finished lithium-ion batteries, the U.S. is seeking to expand its lithium extraction and processing capabilities to improve mineral security. Despite the large estimated reserves, the U.S. currently produces only a small fraction of global lithium and faces challenges in scaling up production infrastructure.
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Lithium is everywhere: It’s in the battery powering the device on which you’re reading this article. It powers electric vehicles (EVs). It’s in your headphones, your power tools, and your TV remote. In short, lithium powers modern life.Recommended Video The ubiquity of the element is why the United States Geological Survey (USGS) deemed it a critical mineral in November. While the U.S. remains highly reliant on imports of lithium, a new report from the USGS found an estimated 2.3 million metric tons of the lithium oxide in Appalachia, enough to replace 328 years’ worth of U.S. imports at last year’s level. “This research shows that the Appalachians contain enough lithium to help meet the nation’s growing needs, USGS director Ned Mamula said in a statement, “a major contribution to U.S.
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