The echoes of America’s historic gold rush have given way to a new and pressing rush: the lithium rush. As demand for renewable energy and electric vehicles soars, lithium has become a highly sought-after resource, propelling geologists to race against time to uncover hidden reserves of the valuable element.
Unexpected discovery in an ancient supervolcano
In the summer of 2023, a mining company-funded research team stumbled upon what may be the largest lithium deposit in the world, located within an ancient supervolcano straddling the border between Nevada and Oregon. But this was not the only surprising discovery. On the other side of the United States, researchers uncovered lithium deposits hidden in an unlikely source: the wastewater from Pennsylvania’s natural gas fracking industry.
Though it may not sound glamorous, this discovery is significant, with the potential to fulfill nearly half of America’s lithium needs.
A vital element for renewable energy
Lithium is the cornerstone of the renewable energy transition, playing a critical role in electric vehicle batteries and energy storage. Yet, despite its growing importance, the U.S. currently relies heavily on imports to meet its lithium demand, as it has just one large-scale lithium mine. This reliance has prompted the U.S. Department of Energy to set an ambitious goal: by 2030, all lithium required in the U.S. will be sourced domestically.
However, this ambition is fraught with challenges. The environmental impact of lithium mining, concerns about chemical leaks, and potential disruptions to Indigenous lands complicate efforts to ramp up domestic production. Nonetheless, the potential of lithium-ion batteries to propel the world towards a greener future is undeniable.
Lithium beneath Pennsylvania’s surface
Beneath Pennsylvania lies an ancient geological secret. The state sits on top of the Marcellus Shale, a sedimentary rock formation rich in natural gas, formed nearly 400 million years ago by volcanic activity. This event also created substantial lithium deposits embedded in the volcanic ash. Over millions of years, deep groundwater naturally dissolved this lithium, creating a subterranean reservoir of the valuable element.
The role of fracking wastewater
Fracking, the controversial method of extracting natural gas from deep underground, has long been a source of environmental concern in Pennsylvania. During fracking, wastewater is produced that is typically minimally treated and reinjected back into the earth. However, research by Justin Mackey, lead author of the study on the discovery, shows that this wastewater contains significant quantities of lithium.
Mackey argues that if the lithium in this wastewater were properly measured and extracted, it could provide a valuable, alternative source of lithium, preventing it from being lost while also addressing the growing lithium demand.
The future of U.S. lithium production
As the U.S. pushes forward with its goal of boosting domestic lithium production, Pennsylvania’s lithium-rich wastewater may offer a sustainable solution to a rapidly escalating problem. The growing focus on fracking wastewater as a potential resource signals a shift in how the U.S. could meet its lithium needs without further harm to the environment.
Despite the challenges, including the environmental impact of fracking, the discovery of lithium in unexpected places such as Pennsylvania’s wastewater is a promising step toward securing a sustainable future for renewable energy technologies. As the U.S. moves closer to achieving its domestic lithium production goals, it will need to balance the economic potential with the responsibility of preserving the environment for future generations.
