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The US has significant lithium resources, including the potential for the world's largest deposit in the McDermitt Caldera, but currently relies on imports, with only one active lithium mine, the Albemarle Silver Peak mine in Nevada.
Here's a more detailed look:
Lithium Resources in the US:
- Significant Deposits:
The US possesses substantial lithium reserves, including the potential for the world's largest deposit in the McDermitt Caldera, a supervolcano straddling the Nevada-Oregon border.
- McDermitt Caldera:
Scientists hypothesize that the McDermitt Caldera could hold 20-40 million metric tons of lithium, potentially making it the world's largest lithium deposit.
- Other Potential Deposits:
- Smackover Formation: A study by the USGS suggests the Smackover Formation in southern Arkansas may contain a significant amount of lithium.
- Salton Sea: The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory estimated 18 million metric tons of lithium are available in the Salton Sea.
- North Carolina: States like North Carolina have lithium deposits, including the Bessemer City mine and Kings Mountain Mine.
- USGS Data:
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the US has 14 million metric tons of lithium resources, ranking third worldwide after Bolivia and Argentina.
- Thacker Pass:
Lithium Americas is developing the Thacker Pass project in northern Nevada, which hosts the largest known measured and indicated lithium resource in North America.
Current Lithium Production and Imports:
- Only One Active Mine:
The Albemarle Silver Peak mine in Nevada is the only active lithium mine in the US.
- Import Reliance:
The US is heavily reliant on imports to meet its lithium demand, primarily from Chile and Argentina.
- Processing Facilities:
The US lacks significant lithium processing facilities, meaning mined lithium is often shipped to other countries for processing.
Future Outlook:
- Domestic Supply Goals:
The US government aims to increase domestic lithium production to reduce reliance on imports, with a goal of supplying lithium domestically and via strategic partners by 2030.
- New Mines and Projects:
Several new lithium mining projects are planned or in development across the US, including in Nevada, California, and North Carolina.
- Incentives for Lithium Mining:
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has incentivized metal and mineral extraction in the United States, including lithium.