Scientists find $540 billion treasure in Salton Sea

In December 2023, researchers studying the Salton Sea, the largest lake in California, made a significant discovery related to lithium deposits beneath its surface. Funded by the Department of Energy, the study revealed that an estimated 18 million tons of lithium, often referred to as 'white gold' due to its valuable properties in battery production, could be extracted from the lake. Initial drilling had previously confirmed a presence of four million tons, but ongoing research dramatically increased this figure. This newfound resource could potentially power batteries for up to 382 million electric vehicles, surpassing the number of such vehicles currently on US roads. The importance of the Salton Sea's lithium deposits cannot be overstated, as this discovery positions the United States to become a leader in lithium production, ensuring self-sufficiency and reducing dependence on imports, particularly from China. Michael McKibben, a geochemistry professor from the University of California, Riverside, was among the researchers highlighting this as one of the world’s largest lithium brine deposits. Governor Gavin Newsom had previously dubbed the area the 'Saudi Arabia of lithium', indicating the potential economic impact and geopolitical implications of harnessing these resources. However, tapping into this vast lithium supply poses several challenges. The extraction process will rely heavily on geothermal production wells to access the lithium-rich brine located thousands of feet underground. Furthermore, this process demands substantial quantities of water, potentially impacting the local water supply, which is reliant on the Colorado River. Approximately 180,000 residents live nearby, and there are concerns regarding the environmental effects of drilling and water usage on their livelihoods and ecology. Scientists and local authorities will need to balance the benefits of lithium extraction with the potential risks to human health and the environment. As research continues into the scale and feasibility of lithium extraction from the Salton Sea, policymakers, scientists, and industry leaders are under pressure to develop sustainable practices that can support this ambitious initiative. The broader implications of this discovery may significantly reshape the landscape of lithium sourcing and electric vehicle production, while also redefining the United States' standing in the global market for battery materials.