Washington: In a groundbreaking discovery, American scientists have found one of the world’s largest lithium reserves beneath the murky waters of California’s Salton Sea. Estimated to be worth $540 billion, this “white gold” treasure could make the United States self-reliant in lithium production and significantly reduce dependence on China.
Lithium – The White Gold of the Future
Lithium, often referred to as “white gold”, is a critical component in the production of electric vehicle (EV) batteries. According to recent studies funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, 18 million tons of lithium are buried beneath the Salton Sea’s surface — far more than the previously estimated 4 million tons.
This amount is enough to power batteries for over 382 million electric vehicles — more than the total number of vehicles currently on U.S. roads.
Environmental and Geopolitical Challenges
While the discovery could be a game-changer for the U.S., extracting this treasure comes with challenges. It could potentially affect local communities, the environment, and geopolitics. Once a popular tourist spot, the Salton Sea in Imperial County, Southern California, has faced significant environmental challenges in recent years.
A Move Towards Lithium Independence
Professor from the University of California, Riverside, who contributed to the study, emphasized the importance of this find, calling it one of the largest lithium brine deposits in the world. This could help America achieve complete lithium independence and end reliance on Chinese imports.
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California Governor Gavin Newsom hailed the discovery, calling the Salton Sea the “Saudi Arabia of Lithium”. With the rising global demand for lithium due to the EV boom, the U.S. now has a golden opportunity to position itself as a global leader in lithium production, possibly overtaking China as the primary supplier.