Lithium plays a major role in the renewable energy transition in the United States, The Ministry of Energy's goal is to supply the country with lithium entirely from domestic sources by 2030. Therefore, geologists are actively searching for new deposits.
In September 2023, scientists discovered large deposits of lithium in an ancient American massive volcano. A few days ago, researchers discovered another promising source in Pennsylvania. The United States currently has one large-scale lithium mine.
A special feature of the new deposit in Pennsylvania is the presence of lithium in the wastewater generated during gas extraction. Based on data obtained from wastewater from the gas-rich Marcellus Shale region of Pennsylvania A team of geologists concluded that the area contains significant amounts of lithium.
Based on conservative estimates, if this resource could be exploited, it would cover more than a third of American demand.
Of course, the project also has environmental protection concerns, but it is possible that lithium mining, which is essential in the transition to green energy, will be treated as a priority in the decision-making process.
Cover image credit: Dado Galdieri/Bloomberg via Getty Images
