US discovers lithium mine capable of producing almost half a billion electric cars

The United States could be at the forefront of a revolution in the electric vehicle market thanks to the discovery that Lake Salton in California is home to what could be the world’s largest lithium reserves.

Researchers from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratoryin a recent study of the US Department of Energyrevealed that the lake bed contains enough lithium to make batteries for 375 million electric vehicles.

The study, a pioneer in quantifying the volume of lithium available under the lake, indicates that the reserve could sustain the production of 3,400 tons metal, essential for the manufacture of electric vehicle batteries.

Currently, the United States has approximately 2.4 million electric vehicles recorded, with forecasts pointing to a significant increase by 2030 and a possible shortage of lithium already in 2025.

Various green energy research has been carried out in the region, with multiple companies evaluating how to extract lithium effectively. According to the Department of Energythe new discoveries could allow the U.S. to meet or even exceed global lithium demand for several decades.

Substantial investments are being channeled into exploring this reserve. A California Energy Commission awarded millions in grants to companies like Berkshire Hathaway Energy it’s at Controlled Thermal Resources to develop efficient mineral extraction techniques.

Important partnerships were also established, including collaboration between General Motors it’s at Controlled Thermal Resourcesas well as agreements signed by Stellar it’s at Fordall with the aim of ensuring the sustainable extraction of lithium.

The extraction of lithium in the region of Mar Salton plans to avoid traditional methods such as open pit drilling, which can be harmful to the environment.

Instead, direct lithium extraction technology is being developed to separate lithium from other metals in the brine, minimizing environmental impact.

Despite advances and investments, the challenge of extracting lithium still persists, with companies facing technical difficulties due to the rapid corrosion of equipment by salt.

This scenario highlights both the potential and challenges facing the sector in the search for an effective and sustainable solution to the growing demand for lithium, essential for the future of electric vehicles.

With information from CPG