Huge Lithium Deposits Discovered in Appalachian Mountains
The Appalachian region contains an estimated 2.3 million metric tons of lithium. Photo courtesy Energy Exploration Technologies Inc.
RESTON, VA—The Appalachian region of the eastern United States contains an estimated 2.3 million metric tons of undiscovered, economically recoverable lithium. In fact, there are enough deposits to replace 328 years of U.S. imports at last year’s level, according to new research by the U.S. Geological Survey.
The southern Appalachians hold an estimated 1.43 million metric tons of lithium oxide, concentrated in the Carolinas. The northern Appalachians hold an estimated 900,000 metric tons, concentrated in Maine and New Hampshire.
“This research shows that the Appalachians contain enough lithium to help meet the nation’s growing needs—a major contribution to U.S. mineral security—at a time when global lithium demand is rising rapidly,” says Ned Mamula, USGS director. “The United States was the dominant world producer of lithium three decades ago, and this research highlights the abundant potential to reclaim our mineral independence.”
Lithium is a key ingredient in electric vehicle batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are also widely used to consumer electronics, power tools and other portable devices.
As of last year Mamula claims that the U.S. had one sole producer of lithium and relied on imports for more than half the lithium used. Australia is the world’s largest producer of lithium. China is second, and accounts for the majority of global lithium refining and consumption.
The USGS projects that world production capacity for lithium will double by 2029, driven by increasing demand for EVs and other products. As a result, lithium supply security has become a major priority for automakers and other manufacturers.
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