America has found a huge lithium deposit inside an ancient volcano. This could be a game-changer for American clean energy. However, it could also spell disaster for the ancient inhabitants of America. The name of this ancient volcano is McDermitt Caldera. The world may be unfamiliar with this name, but currently, it is an extinct volcano.
The McDermitt Caldera volcano last erupted 16 million years ago. It is described as the biggest mine of the century for lithium discoverers. If lithium is excavated from this volcano, it will end Chinese dominance worldwide.
Largest Quantity Of Lithium In The World
In 2020, American scientists published a shocking discovery that the caldera may contain the largest amount of lithium in the world. Lithium is locked in an unusual type of soil called illite inside this volcano. Now, recent research has gone one step further.
In August, researchers reported that the southern part of the McDermitt Caldera, called Thacker Pass, contains an average of about 1.8% lithium. Chemistry World says this is almost twice the amount of lithium in magnesium smectite, the main clay mined for lithium.
Lithium Reserves Over 132 Million Tonnes
In such a situation, scientists estimate that the McDermitt Caldera, located on the Nevada-Oregon border, may contain more than 132 million tons of lithium. This is enough to meet global demand for lithium for decades. It also means that the US, which has only one active lithium mine, will no longer rely on other countries for its lithium.
According to Minerals Make Life, America’s soils contain an estimated 8 million metric tons of lithium, placing it in the top five countries with the largest reserves worldwide. Yet, the country makes up only 1% of global lithium production.
Why Is The Demand For Lithium Continuously Increasing?
Lithium demand is expected to grow as it is a key component for rechargeable batteries used in electric vehicles. The world, including the US, needs more lithium to maintain the supply chain for electric vehicles. In such a situation, McDermitt Caldera could be the resource that can supply lithium as per the demand.
Anouk Borst, a geologist at KU Leuven University and the Royal Museum for Central Africa in Tervuren, Belgium, told Chemistry World that this could change demand for lithium globally in terms of price, security of supply, and geopolitics.
What Is The Problem Facing America?
There’s just one thing: The Guardian reports: Local indigenous communities say Thacker Pass is a sacred ground where they gather traditional medicines and foods and hold holy ceremonies. McKinney is part of an indigenous group called the People of Red Mountain that has protested lithium mining at Thacker Pass.
Gary McKinney of the local Shoshone-Paiute indigenous tribe said it is a cemetery. There are medicines, roots, and the ecosystem – there is still life there. But a federal court rejected opponents’ requests for a stay order, and in March, the company, Lithium Americas, said workers could begin drilling and building infrastructure at the site. In such a situation, there is a danger of hurting people’s sentiments due to forced digging.
