World’s biggest lithium reserve found beneath U.S. supervolcano – A 413-billion-euro breakthrough
Geologists from Columbia University uncovered a massive lithium deposit beneath the McDermitt Caldera supervolcano.
In a groundbreaking discovery, geologists have identified what could be the world's largest lithium deposit beneath the McDermitt Caldera, an ancient supervolcano straddling the Nevada-Oregon border. This find, estimated between 20 and 40 million metric tons of lithium, has the potential to significantly impact the global energy landscape.
Formed approximately 16.4 million years ago, the McDermitt Caldera has a length of 45 kilometers and a width of 35 kilometers. Over millennia, volcanic activity and hydrothermal processes have concentrated lithium-rich minerals into clay deposits within the caldera. Notably, these deposits contain illite, a lithium-bearing mineral more accessible for extraction compared to traditional sources like South America's brine pools.
What does this lithium reserve mean for the U.S. and the global energy sector?
This discovery positions the U.S. as a potential leader in lithium production. This also challenges existing global supply dynamics. For example, the surge in demand for lithium-ion batteries, driven by the proliferation of electric vehicles and renewable energy storage solutions, underscores the significance of this finding.
Current projections indicate that global demand for lithium could increase by 2030. Access to a domestic, substantial lithium source could reduce reliance on imports, stabilize supply chains, and lower costs for consumers. Moreover, extracting lithium from illite may offer environmental advantages over traditional methods, as it doesn't necessitate extensive evaporation ponds.
Environmental considerations of the world's biggest lithium reserve
Despite its economic promise, the extraction of lithium from the McDermitt Caldera raises environmental and cultural concerns. Mining operations demand significant water resources and pose risks of soil degradation and heavy metal contamination, which could adversely affect local ecosystems.
In addition to this, Indigenous communities have expressed opposition to mining activities in the area, citing threats to sacred lands and traditional practices. The People of Red Mountain, a Native American-led organization, has labeled the project as 'green colonialism', emphasizing the need to balance resource development with respect for cultural heritage and environmental stewardship.