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Pennsylvania's Marcellus Shale Wastewater Lithium Discovery Could Meet 40% of U.S. Demand

May 29, 2024, 02:00 PM

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered a significant lithium deposit in Pennsylvania's wastewater from Marcellus Shale gas wells. This discovery could potentially meet up to 40% of the current U.S. demand for lithium, a critical metal used in batteries for electric cars and smartwatches. The finding, which has been described as a 'goldmine of lithium,' could transform Pennsylvania into a major player in the lithium mining industry. The extraction of lithium from fracking wastewater could generate a new billion-dollar industry, according to a government study. This discovery comes at a crucial time as the lithium market faces challenges, including price volatility and the need for sustainable mining technologies such as direct lithium extraction (DLE). If commercialized, DLE could significantly increase lithium production to 526kt LCE by 2030. Scientists calculate that even a conservative amount of lithium extracted could meet more than 30 percent of the current U.S. demand.