The McDermitt Caldera on the border of Nevada and Oregon in the United States is believed to contain the world's largest lithium deposit. The reserves may be as high as 20 million to 40 million tons, and the value is expected to reach 1.5 trillion US dollars. As a core raw material for batteries and other high-tech components, the demand for lithium is expected to grow significantly in the next few years, and this discovery is expected to greatly ease the pressure on global lithium supply.
However, the lithium extraction process is technically complex and involves steps such as grinding, leaching and chemical treatment, which will result in a large amount of water consumption and waste, arousing strong concern among local communities.
The crater was formed after a volcanic eruption about 16 million years ago, and the underlying lithium-rich clay layer is very close to the surface. The volcanic eruption caused the collapse of a huge magma chamber and formed a lake at the bottom of the crater. The special geological history created today's rich clay deposits. Research points out that the Thacker Pass block within the crater could theoretically meet a quarter of the world's lithium demand.
The U.S. government began large-scale mining exploration in the area as early as 2007. Opponents of development believe that the shallow location of the lithium layer at the site makes it easier to concentrate on mining, which will help reduce the damage and waste of resources caused by scattered mining at multiple points. However, indigenous tribes and ranching communities in the region have expressed strong opposition. They are worried that large-scale mining will seriously affect water sources, pastures and sacred sites. Even the scale of mining in a large mine will consume huge amounts of resources and bring a lot of waste and dust, posing a threat to the surrounding environment and communities.
As of now, relevant departments have not made a final decision on whether to formally develop the lithium mine. The United States is working to ensure local supplies of lithium and other rare earth elements. Future advances in mining and extraction technology may bring about a turning point in the development of this giant resource.