America opens the mine that will bring China down: 40 million metric tons underground
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Therefore, it is surprising that the McDermitt Caldera has recently been established to contain substantial lithium deposits expected to transform the energy sector.
Located on the border of Oregon and Nevada, USA, this 10000-year-old supervolcano may contain as much as 40 million metric tons of lithium, more than all other sources combined.
This strategic find could reduce China’s hold on the lithium market and guarantee America’s energy security.
The McDermitt Caldera is much more than a volcano; it is also a lithium deposit, also coined “white gold” because of its importance for the green energy revolution. Comparatively, the caldera that formed nearly 16 million years ago from a volcanic eruption now houses clay that contains lithium-containing minerals known as illite.
The area covers 616 square miles, and newer research indicates it could hold as much as 40 million metric tons of lithium.
This discovery overcomes Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni that was previously known as the world largest lithium reserve.
As more people clamor for lithium, estimated to hit 1.5Million MT annually by 2028, this find establishes the United States in the lithium supply chain.
Well, it would be completely wrong not to put a huge emphasis on the role of lithium.
It charges forward the batteries in electric vehicles, mobile phones, laptops, solar and wind power stations, etc.
The idea of a shift towards clean energy is intensifying right now, and this unique geological formation could feed that demand and, at the same time, prevent dependence on foreign counterparts.
This discovery is all about the Thacker Pass project, which is an elaborate lithium mining venture spearheaded by Lithium Americas.
NoIt has plans to start production in 2026 and will target to exploit the caldera resources sustainably.
The project was given a major lift through a $2.26bn loan provided by the U.S. Department of Energy and support from General Motors.
In the first stage of this project, it should be capable of producing 40,000 metric tons of lithium per year, aiming for double the rate in the next stages.
Ref: America opens the mine that will bring China down: 40 million metric tons underground (ecoticias)
