An enormous lithium deposit estimated to hold up to 40 million metric tons has recently been discovered in the United States underneath an ancient supervolcano straddling the Nevada-Oregon border. This lithium trove, the largest known supply in the world, could provide major opportunities for lithium companies and boost renewable energy efforts as demand for lithium batteries is projected to skyrocket.
Lithium, an extremely light metallic element, is an essential component of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles, grid storage, smartphones, laptops and other key technologies. With electric vehicle adoption accelerating globally and increasing need for batteries to store solar and wind energy, lithium is becoming integral to a clean energy future.
For lithium companies, this huge deposit represents a potentially massive new source of supply to power growth. Lithium exploration and mining companies will likely ramp up operations in the region to benefit from burgeoning demand. Those able to cost-effectively extract lithium from the volcanic crater could be poised to reap sizable revenues.
Access to substantial lithium resources located within the US rather than relying heavily on imports could also help enhance energy security as the country moves away from fossil fuels. Domestic supply could additionally stabilize lithium prices and support US-based jobs.
The lithium deposit was uncovered within Oregon’s McDermitt Caldera, the remnants of an ancient supervolcano that exploded around 16 million years ago. With lithium demand expected to expand fivefold or more by 2030, this huge supply could be a game-changer, diversifying and elevating global lithium sources to meet increasing battery requirements.
For lithium companies and renewable energy companies alike, this deposit represents a monumental opportunity. Responsible extraction will be key to unlocking the full potential of this transformative mineral discovery.
| Take moment to look at companies Lithium Bank and Century Lithium who are focused on exploration, development, and production of lithium. |