US News, Salton Sea Lithium Discovery – Scientists make 'huge' $540 billion discovery at the bottom of a giant lake.
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Massive Lithium Reserves Unearthed Beneath Salton Sea: A Game-Changer for U.S. Energy
Breakthrough Discovery in California
Recent developments as of March 26, 2025, have spotlighted California’s Salton Sea as a potential powerhouse in the global lithium market. A study funded by the U.S. Department of Energy has confirmed an astonishing 18 million tons of lithium—valued at up to $540 billion—lies beneath this shrinking lake in Imperial County, far exceeding earlier estimates of 4 million tons.
Dubbed “white gold” for its critical role in electric vehicle (EV) batteries, this find could supply enough lithium to power 382 million EVs, surpassing the total number of vehicles currently on U.S. roads.
Scientific and Economic Implications of Lithium Discovery
Geochemist Michael McKibben from UC Riverside, a key researcher in the study, revealed that this could render the U.S. self-sufficient in lithium, reducing reliance on imports from China.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has hailed the Salton Sea as the “Saudi Arabia of lithium,” a moniker reinforced by this discovery.
The lithium is dissolved in geothermal brine, a byproduct of existing energy production, offering a dual benefit of clean energy and mineral extraction.
Progress in Extraction Efforts
On January 31, 2025, an Imperial County judge approved the Hell’s Kitchen project—one of the world’s largest lithium mines—dismissing a lawsuit from environmental and civic groups, as reported by LAist.
This clears a path for Controlled Thermal Resources to extract lithium alongside geothermal power generation.
However, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently settled with the company over wetland damage caused by earlier pilot work, signaling ongoing environmental scrutiny.
Challenges and Local Impact of Lithium Extraction
Despite the economic promise—80% of mining revenue is slated for local development—challenges persist.
Lithium Extraction requires vast water resources from the already-stressed Colorado River, raising ecological concerns. The Salton Sea’s receding waters have also exposed toxic dust, a public health issue for the 180,000 nearby residents.
California’s Salton Sea Lithium Discovery – Looking Ahead
As of March 25, 2025, Hindustan Times reported that this discovery could transform Imperial County into “Lithium Valley,” sparking jobs and revenue. Yet, balancing economic gains with environmental and community impacts remains a critical hurdle.
With extraction technology advancing—highlighted by a January 2025 Nature Communications study on sustainable methods—the Salton Sea’s lithium could redefine America’s role in the global clean energy race, if hurdles are overcome.
