Posted on 04/25/2022 10:12:55 AM PDT by Rusty0604
Experts: U.S. could enter the lithium market in a very big way. U.S. must reduce its reliance on lithium imports from the lithium triangle. Geothermal technologies could unlock large lithium deposits in the U.S
The US could enter the lithium market in a very big way. At least, that’s what some experts are claiming. The global demand for lithium is on the rise, especially in the US. This should come as no surprise, as lithium-ion batteries are essential to electric vehicles and energy storage. Still, the question remains: is the US capable of breaking its reliance on lithium imports from Argentina, Chile, Russia, and China?
Lithium Production Needs to Increase Because of the increased demand for electric vehicles, lithium extraction technology has seen heavy investment. These millions aren’t just coming from the likes of General Motors either, but the US Energy Department.
Right now, much of the focus is on direct lithium extraction (DLE). These technologies aim to extract lithium from brine using filters, membranes, ceramic beads, and other “micro-level” solutions. While such methods are successful, it’s unclear whether they can be scaled up for commercial production.
DLE technology necessitates vast amounts of potable water and electricity. Before the US could boost lithium production, we would need a clear plan to provide ample amounts of both. Since these resources are not particularly abundant, it also gives detractors more ammo to criticize lithium investment.
(Excerpt) Read more at oilprice.com ...
The EPA and greenies are going to love how that stuff is mined. //sarc
Thanks!
“The solution is to also build a liquid fuel breeder nuclear reactor at the abandoned Naval bombing practice area to provide electricity and process heat to desalinate and detoxify the area. It could use spent fuel from the San Onofre reactor that is sitting in dry storage and uranium/thorium from the rare earth mining facility in Mountain Pass, CA. This would reduce the cost of storing radioactive mining waste that makes our rare earth industry uncompetitive with China.”
That sounds like a logical, practical, well researched and thought out plan that would greatly help the US economy and make us a leader in the world supplying rare earths. The EPA and liberals will never let it happen.
Lithium is not rare. There are sizable deposits all over North America, waiting for green weenies to get out of the way and get the miners going.
The Salton Sea…. They are already doing it I think but want to expand it. The Salton Sea is a man made lake anyway so I don’t see why their should be environmental issues.
“I don’t see why their should be environmental issues.”
I hope I’m wrong, but they usually find an issue.
The Salton (dead) Sea
If the U.S. could enter the lithium market in a big way, then why can’t we get back in the petroleum market in a big way? What’s the problem here...besides that make-believe leader of our country? Regardless of the need for lithium, the need for petroleum is much more crucial.
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