A significant lithium deposit has been discovered in the US state of Pennsylvania, bolstering the country’s efforts towards energy independence and a transition to green technologies.
Estimated to cover up to one-third of US lithium demand upon processing, this deposit lies within wastewater from natural gas extraction. Lithium is a crucial component in the production of batteries for electric vehicles and other low-carbon devices.
The discovery holds particular importance as the US currently relies on a single large lithium mine and imports to meet its remaining demand.
While the extraction of lithium from wastewater raises environmental concerns that need to be addressed, the importance of this raw material for the green transformation and achieving climate goals may ultimately lead to lithium mining being prioritized.
