Scientists have uncovered approximately 18 million tons of lithium beneath the Salton Sea in Southern California, a discovery valued at $540 billion. This find, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, positions the Salton Sea as one of the world’s largest lithium brine deposits and could significantly boost the United States’ clean energy ambitions. Lithium is a critical component for electric vehicle (EV) batteries, making this discovery a potential game-changer for domestic energy independence and the global transition to renewable energy sources. The Salton Sea could supply enough lithium to power 382 million EV batteries.
The discovery far exceeds earlier estimates of 4 million tons of lithium in the region. According to Michael McKibben, a geochemistry professor at the University of California, Riverside, this resource could make the United States self-sufficient in lithium and eliminate reliance on imports from China. McKibben emphasized that this could shift the U.S. into a leading position in global lithium production. California Governor Gavin Newsom has dubbed the Salton Sea the “Saudi Arabia of lithium,” underscoring its potential to revolutionize the U.S. battery industry.
Lithium extraction in this region involves geothermal production wells that access brine thousands of feet below the surface. After extracting lithium, the brine is reinjected underground, making this process less environmentally damaging than traditional mining methods. However, challenges remain, including air quality concerns from dust emissions and freshwater consumption for processing. Environmental risks tied to lithium extraction are being closely monitored.
While companies race to capitalize on this “white gold,” environmental groups and Indigenous communities have raised concerns about potential impacts on air quality, water resources, and cultural sites. Balancing economic opportunity with environmental preservation will be critical as plans for large-scale lithium extraction move forward.
